Blogs of the LA Area Chamber

Deasy – A Strong New Leader for L.A. Schools

Webmaster on January 11, 2011 at 12:00:00 am
Posted in The Business Perspective

Los Angeles and the state of California have never faced a more serious challenge regarding our education system. With our flat global economy, the success of our students has never been more important. Dramatic improvements to our education system must be made.

Last century, the United States had the highest college enrollment rate in the world, but by 2008 our standing had fallen to No. 16. Here in California, for the first time in our history, the current generation is expected to be less educated than its predecessor. Major cutbacks signaled this week in Gov. Jerry Brown's budget add to the challenges local school officials face. This collection of issues calls for outstanding leadership. The Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) Board of Education displayed that leadership this morning when it announced its decision to select John Deasy as the district's next superintendent.

Jobs on the line at AQMD

Jessica Duboff on January 7, 2011 at 12:00:00 am
Posted in Intersection L.A.

Spent the morning at the first meeting of the year for the South Coast Air Quality Management District's (AQMD) Governing Board. Was there to testify in favor of Rule 1315-Federal New Source Review Tracking System, which would maintain AQMD’s ability to issue permits to essential public services (hospitals, fire stations, waste treatment plants, schools) and other businesses that are expanding or starting up in the South Coast area by providing emission offsets free of charge from AQMD’s offset accounts.

First week of 2011 brings transportation highs and lows

Jessica Duboff on January 6, 2011 at 12:00:00 am
Posted in Intersection L.A.

30/10 Takes Major Step Forward!

Success today for the 30/10 transportation initiative. The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has approved the Westside Subway Extension and the Regional Connector for entry into the preliminary engineering process. The approval moves both of these key Metro projects closer to actual construction.