MEMBERS ADVOCATE FOR PENSION REFORM AND JOB CREATION AT L.A. CITY HALL. On Wednesday, more than 200 members convened at L.A. City Hall to call on Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, City Council President Eric Garcetti, City Controller Wendy Greuel, City Attorney Carmen Trutanich and other members of City Council to prioritize pension reform and job creation in the City of L.A. This year's ACCESS L.A. City Hall event, presented by The Gas Company, a Sempra Energy utility, featured the Chamber's 2010 Advocacy Agenda, which contains clearly defined objectives that will encourage and support private-sector job creation. Business leaders also asked the City to identify core functions that deserve maximum funding in any economic environment and determine which are essential prior to completing fiscal year 2012 budget next spring. View the event photo gallery. Contact Beverly Kenworthy, 213.580.7570.

Chamber releases first-ever look at economic trends by City Council district
On Wednesday, in conjunction with ACCESS L.A. City Hall, the Chamber released the Los Angeles City Council Districts: 2010 Economic Report, a first-ever study that breaks down economic trends and figures by council district. This report, prepared by Beacon Economics, highlights annual employment, average wage and building permits (commercial and residential) over the last year. The report also provides a breakdown of gross receipts for the last two years and 2005-09 gross business receipts. Contact Samuel Garrison, 213.580.7568.

Chamber advocates for pension reform
On Wednesday, Chamber President & CEO Gary Toebben joined Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and City Chief Administrative Office Miguel Santana in supporting pension reform for newly hired members of the Los Angeles City Employees’ Retirement System. A long-time advocate of pension reform, the Chamber applauds the Mayor and City Council for recognizing the critical importance of meaningful pension reforms and encourages them to increase the retirement age in the proposal from 62 to 65. "These reforms are absolutely necessary to ensure that the City of Los Angeles can continue to provide the vital services that we deserve at costs residents can afford," said Toebben. Contact Samuel Garrison, 213.580.7568.

Chamber joins Rep. Judy Chu to highlight the 'Linked Learning' approach
The Chamber joined Rep. Judy Chu (D-CA) Tuesday at two of Wilson High School's Small Learning Communities to highlight Linked Learning, which combines rigorous college preparation with workplace experience. "The Linked Learning approach connects strong academics with real–world experience in a wide range of fields, like engineering, arts and media, and biomedical science," Chu said. "It leads to the high-skill, high-demand and high-paying jobs that the economy of tomorrow will be built around." Contact David Rattray, 213.580.7515.

Leadership Southern California 2011 launches with two-day skill development orientation
The Southern California Leadership Network is pleased to announce the Leadership Southern California Class of 2011, which began Thursday, Oct. 21-Friday, Oct. 22 with a two-day leadership skill development orientation. Fellows learned more about each other as well as the Civic Entrepreneurship Framework and the Internal Dynamics of Leadership, led by Professor Jeremy Hunter, Peter F. Drucker School of Management at the Claremont Graduate University. Over the next 10 months, Fellows will experience the people, places and trends shaping Southern California by visiting Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino, Riverside, Ventura and Sacramento counties. Read more about Leadership Southern California. Contact Kevin Cottrell, 213.580.7577.

Pasadena Starbucks partners with Hillsides, a children's charity Hillsides, a Pasadena children's charity, and Starbucks Coffee Company have partnered to reach customers and appeal to their hearts. Beginning Friday, Dec. 3, all Pasadena Starbucks stores will be hosting in-store promotional bins and posters for Hillsides, encouraging customers to donate holiday gifts. Holiday gifts and toys can be delivered to any Starbucks store in Pasadena before Dec. 22. To make a monetary donation and sponsor winter outings for foster care and vulnerable children living at Hillsides, visit www.Hillsides.org or call 323-255-9005. Society of St. Vincent de Paul named 'Best Giant Thrift Store' in L.A. for 2010 LA Weekly has named the Society of St. Vincent de Paul's store in Los Angeles the 'Best Giant Thrift Store' for 2010. The Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Council of Los Angeles, is part of a worldwide organization of lay Catholic men and women who are committed to personal involvement in charitable works. The Society's work includes any actions that promote the dignity of the person, alleviate suffering and distress, while correcting the conditions that cause them. Read more. Want your good news featured here? Click here to learn more.