Thursday | April 12, 2012
     
 

IN THIS ISSUE

This Week At The Chamber
Read the latest happenings

Member News
Read good news from Chamber members

Issues of Interest
Read about what's going on in your community
 

  COMING UP AT
THE CHAMBER
 
     
 

FRI | April 13
Education & Workforce Development Council
LAUSD Superintendent John Deasy
more info | register

MON | April 16
Power Hour Series
Father Gregory Boyle
more info | register

TUE | April 17
Government & Fiscal Affairs Council
City Administrative Officer Miguel Santana
more info | register

WED | April 18
Global Initiatives Council
Ambassador Charles Shapiro
more info | register

WED | April 18
Global Connections Dinner Series
Ethiopian-Americans in Southern California
more info | register

View all upcoming events on our Web Calendar.

 
     
 

OVERHEARDs

 


"I'm not talking about the hardcore smokers who are never going to quit. I'm talking about teenagers. The number of young adults in California who smoke is still at a very unacceptable level. Let's talk about prevention. Let's talk about the future."

—Dr. Franklin Pratt, American Heart Association, Greater Los Angeles, speaking in favor of Yes on Proposition 29 at the Health Care Council Friday.


"If we’re going to tax Californians, let’s at least keep the money in California."

—Dr. Marcy Zwelling speaking against Yes on Proposition 29 at the Health Care Council Friday.

  Media Highlights  

 

 

L.A. City Budget Requires Tough, Long-Term Decisions
Fox & Hounds, April 11
Read more

 
   
 


DEVELOPMENT REFORM ORDINANCE SIGNED

Chamber President & CEO Gary Toebben spoke at a press conference Monday at L.A. City Hall for the signing of a key development reform ordinance. "The Multiple Approvals Ordinance represents a huge step toward realizing the City's Development Reform Strategic Plan," said Toebben, above. "It will simultaneously make the review process simpler and more transparent for business and the community alike." The Multiple Approvals Ordinance, passed by L.A. City Council last week, is a significant step in cutting red tape in the land use regulation process. It is the first in a series of code simplification ordinances that are part of Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa's development reform initiative to simplify the City's zoning code. The ordinance will both coordinate expiration dates for projects with multiple entitlements and extend the expiration date three years for entitlements that have expired — helping projects that are weathering the economic recovery. Contact Jessica Duboff, 213.580.7558.


Chamber discusses transportation initiatives and Measure R legislation
On Tuesday, the Transportation & Goods Movement Council welcomed Los Angeles Department of Transportation General Manager Jaime de la Vega, at left, and Metro's Roderick Diaz to discuss local projects and city transportation priorities. De la Vega reviewed their work on signal synchronization, parking meters, bike lanes and long term goals including making restrictions consistent along major corridors. Diaz discussed alternatives Metro is considering for the Green Line extension to the Los Angeles International Airport. The Council also voted to recommend that the Chamber's Board of Directors support AB 1446 (Feuer), which would give Metro the authority to ask voters for an extension of Measure R, the 2008 ½-cent sales tax to fund transportation projects in L.A. County. Contact Jessica Duboff, 213.580.7558.

California Supreme Court rules businesses not liable for breaks
The Chamber applauds the California Supreme Court for its ruling today that employers cannot be held liable if employees decide to work instead of taking a break. The Court ruled that instead of ensuring that workers take their meal breaks, employers must provide uninterrupted, 30-minute, duty-free times in which the worker can come and go. The Chamber has been a proponent of this issue. Contact Jessica Duboff, 213.580.7558.

Leadership Southern California now recruiting
The Southern California Leadership Network is currently accepting applications for Leadership Southern California 2013. The 10-month leadership development fellowship allows mid- to senior-level executives to explore our region's assets and opportunities. This program embodies the values of regional stewardship, experiential learning and deep exposure to regional public policy issues across Southern California. Space is limited and the early application deadline is Monday, May 14. Apply today or forward this to associates in your organization. Contact April Tam, 213.580.7526.

 

Los Angeles Dodgers, Inc. celebrate 50th anniversary of stadium
This year Dodger Stadium is celebrating its 50th anniversary. To celebrate, the Los Angeles Dodgers will have special events and promotions throughout the year, including a FanFest in May, a top 50 moments vote and special merchandise prices at the stadium. Read more.

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  ISSUES of interest  
 
 

Harbor Gateway tax incentives
Harbor Gateway Communities State Enterprise Zone
has received final approval from the State. The tax incentives and L.A. City incentives will be available May 1 through April 2027. By encouraging entrepreneurship and employer growth, the program strives to create and sustain economic expansion in California communities.

Feed in Tariff Program workshops
The Los Angeles Department of Water & Power and the Los Angeles Business Council will be hosting information workshops to roll out LADWP's Feed in Tariff Program. View workshop dates.

Assembly Speaker Perez confirmed for ACCESS Sacramento

California Assembly Speaker John Perez is confirmed to keynote the breakfast during ACCESS Sacramento, May 22-23. The delegation will meet with legislative leaders to address such issues as pension reform and regulatory reform, the business climate, health care and education. Register by April 24 for the early-bird rate or contact Jessica Duboff, 213.580.7558.

 
 

 

MEMBER BENEFITS
 

Adding value to your Chamber membership


 
   
EVENT SPOTLIGHT
 
 
 

Join Facing History and Ourselves for Twilight Los Angeles: A Community Conversation Featuring Anna Deavere Smith
Wednesday, April 25, 7-9 p.m.
Robert F. Kennedy Community High School
Register now


 



The Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce is the voice of business in L.A. County. Founded in 1888, the Chamber promotes a prosperous economy and quality of life in the Los Angeles region. For more information, visit www.lachamber.com