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WESTSIDE SUBWAY EXTENSION ADVANCES TO FINAL APPROVAL STAGE
The Westside Subway Extension is one of eight projects nationwide that has been invited into the final approval stage to receive loan funding from the TIFIA program, which is the Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act. The $641 million federal loan commitment would help fund the construction of a high-capacity, nine-mile extension of the Metro Purple Line subway from the existing Wilshire/Western station to a proposed Westwood/Veterans Affairs Hospital station once negotiations are complete. The Chamber applauds the U.S. Department of Transportation for advancing the project, and thanks Senators Dianne Feinstein and Barbara Boxer for their continued support. The Chamber was a major supporter of Measure R and has been a long-term proponent of the Westside Subway Extension. The Chamber is also involved in a national effort to secure support from across the nation for America Fast Forward. (Graphic courtesy of Metro. View complete map) Contact Jessica Duboff, 213.580.7558.
City of Los Angeles' Office of Economic Analysis Up and Running
 Chamber President & CEO Gary Toebben, left with Council President Eric Garcetti (far left), recently testified in support of the L.A. City Administrator's recommendations for the Office of Economic Analysis Pilot Project. The L.A. City Council unanimously passed the ordinance. Council President Garcetti's office is funding the pilot project with $250,000. This is a big win for the business community and the Chamber thanks the L.A. City Council for its support and Council President Garcetti for his leadership. Contact Beverly Kenworthy, 213.580.7531.
Chamber education bill's half way to the finish line
 Chamber sponsored bills, AB 790 (Furutani), AB 250 (Brownley) and AB 1304 (Block) have all passed the Senate Education Committee and are on their way to Senate Appropriations. If passed, the bills will head to the Senate floor before going to Gov. Jerry Brown for his signature. AB 790 establishes a Linked Learning high school pilot program that would allow participating districts to implement a district wide approach that supports strong academics, technical education and real world experiences in the classroom. AB 250 will establish clear goals for learning in order to prepare students for success in college and careers. AB 1304 will improve the preparation and professional development of teachers that provide instruction in applied learning programs, and improve existing teacher training programs. These bills will allow students to be in an engaging academic environment that will help apply skills that are needed to be both college and career ready. Have your voice heard and take action today or contact Sonia Campos-Rivera, 213.580.7538.
Chamber to host LADWP business outreach session
 On Monday, July 18, 1-2:30 p.m., the Los Angeles Department of Water & Power will inform businesses about the increased costs and customer rate increases associated with meeting basic business needs for water and power — including legal mandates, reliability investments and other challenges facing the Department. LADWP General Manager Ron Nichols will address Chamber members and guests. Register now. LADWP is also proposing to relaunch its Solar Incentive Program and a Feed-In Tariff Program that will allow third parties to sell renewable energy to LADWP's citywide electric grid. Learn more. Contact Jessica Duboff, 213.580.7558.
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The Langham Huntington, Pasadena was recently named the No. 1 hotel in Los Angeles by U.S. News & World Report. Out of 58 luxury
hotels, 20 made the U.S. News list of the Best Hotels in Los Angeles. "We are thrilled to be named
the best hotel in Los Angeles by their unbiased measure," said Rebecca Huetter, director of sales and marketing at The Langham. "We are dedicated to maintaining the
high levels of quality and service that are essential pillars of The Langham brand." 
Brandon Shamim, Beacon Management Group, recently received The 2011 Best South Asian American Innovative Entrepreneur award at the 5th annual South Asian Business Alliance Network (SABAN) ceremony. Shamim has led public policy and communications campaigns, defined business strategy and directed change management for Fortune 500s, government agencies, educational institutions and diverse non-profits. 
