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> 2005 Year in Review
January
6, 2006
2005
Year in Review: Redondo Beach Chamber Effectively Represents
the Interests of its Members with Government
During the fall
of each year, the Redondo Beach Chamber’s Government
Relations (Chamber) develops its legislative priorities.
Each of the priorities serve as the foundation for tracking
local and statewide legislation and issues. It is through
these priorities that the Chamber’s continuing effort to
improve the Redondo Beach business climate is shaped.
“The Redondo
Beach Chamber continues its effort to represent the
interests of business with government,” said Marna Smeltzer,
President and CEO of the Redondo Beach Chamber. “The
development of our priorities is critical to the Redondo
Beach Chamber’s impact on the local and state levels.” The
priorities assist the Chamber in prioritizing the many
issues facing the Redondo Beach business community.
“Our first
priority, as it has been each of the last two years, is to
improve the Redondo Beach business environment,” added
Smeltzer. “We are extremely proud of what we accomplished in
2005 on behalf of our members and look forward to adding to
these achievements next year.”
Outlined below
are all of the Redondo Beach Chamber’s priorities for 2005
and their corresponding action and accomplishments:
Ensure
that regulations on business are kept to a minimum and do
not put Redondo Beach businesses at a competitive
disadvantage.
Opposed
and wrote letters to local elected officials about a
proposed law that will require an arbitrary cut in gasoline
demand and lead to higher gasoline prices and fewer consumer
choices. SB 757 would place excessive cost increases on
businesses and consumers reliant on gasoline to do
business. This legislation did not pass the state
legislature.
Opposed
legislation that would increase the damages an employee may
obtain from an employer in a civil action lawsuit. The
Chamber opposed AB 169 because it did not curb the crippling
effects of unwarranted and frivolous lawsuits on our
businesses, consumers, taxpayers, and communities. The
legislation was vetoed by the Governor because it would put
employers at a significant disadvantage because the awards
would encourage new litigation against California
businesses.
Supported
legislation to require by January 1, 2008, that any
governmental entity use no more than the last 4 digits of
the employee's social security number on a check, draft or
voucher when paying the employee's wages. SB 101 makes
efficient and necessary changes to payroll systems. The
Chamber’s efforts helped the Governor sign SB 101 into law.
Initiated
a successful letter writing campaign to local legislators
and the Governor in opposition to AB 48, a proposed minimum
wage increase. Governor Schwarzenegger vetoed the AB 48
proposal. The proposed $1.00 increase to the state minimum
wage would have cost California businesses $2.08 billion per
year, undo the $3.4 billion in workers’ compensation cost
savings the Governor and Legislature worked together to
achieve this year, and increase wages by approximately
$40,000 per year for a company with 20 workers.
Supported
a proposed law that would stop frivolous lawsuits for
damages against a public facility when a slight deviation
from a code or regulation has no significant impact on a
disabled person's right to the goods and services provided.
AB 20 would instead provide that the remedy for this
technical violation would be an injunctive relief and the
recovery of attorney's fee. This bill would significantly
help reduce arbitrary lawsuits against businesses in Redondo
Beach. AB 20 did not pass the state legislature.
The
Chamber opposed and spearheaded a successful operation to
write letters to local legislators and the Governor about
legislation that would negatively revise the third-party
health services claim procedures. SB 399 would allow health
care providers and hospitals who treat Medi-Cal
beneficiaries injured by a third party to file a lien and
claim in excess of the Medi-Cal reimbursement rate. The
proposed law would increase the amount attorneys may receive
on a contingency fee basis and cause an increase in
insurance premiums for all California insurance holders. The
Governor vetoed SB 399.
Opposed
and wrote letters to local elected officials about a
proposed law that will provide new incentives for plaintiffs
and their attorneys to file lawsuits on minimum wage and
overtime by creating two new types of class action "sue your
boss" lawsuits. SB 174 would increase the cost of doing
business in Redondo Beach and in California. This bill was
vetoed by the Governor because of the additional legal
expenditures it would cause for businesses.
Supported
a new workers compensation law that would continue to
decrease premiums and insurance expenditures for businesses.
SB 178 would ease the formation of self-insurance pools for
groups of employers in similar industries and requires these
new group self-insurance pools to be financially sound.
This law ensures that if members do experience financial
difficulties that a fund exists to pick up outstanding
claims. This legislation did not pass the state legislature.
Opposed
and established a successful letter writing movement against
excessive unemployment workers’ compensation benefits. AB
391 would have allowed an eligible locked-out worker to
receive unemployment compensation benefits when the worker
is locked out as a result of a trade dispute with the
worker’s employer. We opposed AB 391 because it is
unreasonable to provide unemployment insurance benefits to
workers out on strike and force California employers to
subsidize a strike against their own company even when the
workers were notified in advance that a lockout would occur.
AB 391 was vetoed by the Governor.
Opposed
legislation that would a recommendation for an audit or
investigation by appropriate state tax authorities of
employers in violation of statutes relating to employee
wages, hours, and working conditions. Letters were written
to local legislators and the Governor in opposition of AB
875. This bill would cause an increase of unnecessary fees,
paperwork, and time lost for Redondo Beach employers. AB 875
was vetoed by the Governor because of its unreasonable
requests on California businesses.
The Chamber
supported legislation that requires associations to receive
express written consent from their own members prior to
sending a fax advertisement. SB 833 will help businesses
control unwanted and excessive “junk” faxes. The bill was
approved by the Governor.
Supported
a proposed law that would require workplace posters and
regulations be written in plain language so that employers
and employees can easily understand them. AB 1709 will help
businesses reduce the amount of miscommunications with its
employees, which may lead to expensive frivolous lawsuits.
This bill did not pass the state legislature.
Opposed
legislation that would increase the circumstances under
which an employee is entitled to protected leave pursuant to
the Family Rights Act. SB 300 would place additional
burdensome costs on businesses with more employees applying
for paid leaves. California employers would be at a
competitive disadvantage to other states.
Supported
a measure that would provide that when an employer
discharges any employee payment should be made immediately.
Also, SB 285 would require that the date of the mailing
shall constitute the date of payment in order to provide
payment within 72 hours to the employee. This bill will
help with the efficiency of payroll and employment
paperwork. SB 285 did not pass the state legislature.
Supported
legislation that would establish notice requirements for an
alleged aggrieved party to follow before bringing a legal
action against a business for an alleged violation of ADA
provisions. SB 855 will help decrease costly frivolous
lawsuits against employers. This bill did not pass the
state legislature.
Under the
current law, Industrial Wage Orders establish the minimum
wage for all industries as $6.75 per hour. The Chamber
opposed SB 862 because it would increase the minimum wage to
an unspecified amount. This bill will hinder the Redondo
Beach job climate as employers will face additional expenses
and be less competitive with other job markets.
Encourage a tax and fee system that is market competitive.
Voted to
support the successful passage of the Dominican
Republic-Central American Free Trade Agreement (DR-CAFTA).
Wrote letters to local and federal legislators promoting
that the agreement ensures the United States would continue
to gain access to those markets, enhance the economy, and
create jobs via increased trade opportunities.
Supported
Proposition G, which required that guests who stay in
Redondo Beach hotels to pay a Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT)
to the City of Redondo Beach. As a result of the Chamber’s
efforts, Prop. G passed with 4,903 votes on March 8.
Beginning July 1, 2005, the TOT will be raised to 12% of the
rent the hotel charges its guests. These additional funds
will be used to restore the Redondo Beach general fund
revenues required to afford the police, fire, general
government, and a multitude of other essential services for
the Redondo Beach community. The Chamber and the people of
Redondo Beach helped make a difference in order to fulfill
the vital city services needed.
Supported
Proposition H, which proposed an adjustment to all business
license rates every year. Every new business in Redondo
Beach is charged a Business License Tax by the city, which
in turn provides the Redondo Beach community with many of
its necessary services. Prop. H
was defeated and the license tax will continue to be based
on the 1991 adjustment and vary rates dependent on the type
of business. This outdated and unstructured tax will
continue to be unfair to the businesses of Redondo Beach.
Supported
legislation that would develop an amnesty program for a
three-month period, under which an employer may apply for
the waiver of unpaid penalties or penalties imposed and
taxes to be withheld. AB 793 would facilitate a more market
competitive unemployment insurance tax system for California
businesses. This bill did not pass the state legislature.
Supported
a proposed law that would impose additional cable television
franchises will wire and serve the same geographical are
within a reasonable time and subject to other specified
conditions within the public utility's or telephone
corporation's service area or areas. AB 903 will streamline
the fees in the area to ensure Redondo Beach remains
competitive for cable franchises. The bill did not pass the
state legislature.
Supported
legislation that would exempt the taxes from the sale of,
the storage of, use of, or other consumption of,
manufacturing equipment and telecommunication equipment used
in the manufacturing process. AB 1580 will reduce taxes in
the manufacturing industry and allow Redondo Beach to be
market competitive in the industry. This bill did not pass
the state legislature.
The Sales
& Use Tax Law that provides various exemptions including an
exemption for farm equipment, and machinery used primarily
in producing and harvesting agricultural products. The
Chamber opposed AB 1644 because it would repeal the Sales &
Use Tax Law exemption and cause Redondo Beach and California
businesses to be at a disadvantage. This bill did not pass
the state legislature.
Opposed
potential legislation that seeks to reform the state's
commercial property tax system by closing loopholes in the
"change of ownership" statutes, improving enforcement of the
law and increasing penalties for violators. SB 17 would
place more onerous fees and taxes on commercial property
owners and employers housed in commercial space. This bill
did not pass the state legislature.
Opposed a
proposed law that would provide an exception to the
Alcoholic Beverage Tax Law, which states that taxes imposed
are in lieu of all county, municipal, or district taxes on
the sale of beer, wine, or distilled spirits. SB 656 would
create a countywide tax on the consumption of beer, wine,
and distilled spirits purchased at a retail store. This bill
would create a competitive disadvantage for those retail
stores that sell beer, wine, and distilled spirits. SB 656
did not pass the state legislature.
We
supported legislation that would enact the Coast and Ocean
Stewardship Act of 2005. SB 956 would levy a surcharge of $1
per night per room on all charges for transient occupancy in
the 20 counties that are located along the coast of the
Pacific Ocean and the San Francisco Bay, including all
cities within these counties. This bill would bring
additional revenue into Redondo Beach that could be used to
improve the local infrastructure. SB 956 did not pass the
state legislature.
Supported
legislation and wrote letters to local legislators that
would prohibit an insurer from taking specified actions
relating to issuing, renewing, or rating a life insurance
policy based upon the applicant's or insured's past or
future lawful travel destinations. SB 1105 will ensure that
insurers are not bias and treat all applicants and customers
under the same qualifications. This bill was approved by the
Governor.
Encourage the protection of private property rights.
Opposed
potential legislation that seeks to reform the state's
commercial property tax system by closing loopholes in the
"change of ownership" statutes, improving enforcement of the
law and increasing penalties for violators. SB 17 would
place more onerous fees and taxes on commercial property
owners and employers housed in commercial space. This bill
did not pass the state legislature.
We
supported legislation that would enact the Coast and Ocean
Stewardship Act of 2005. SB 956 would levy a surcharge of $1
per night per room on all charges for transient occupancy in
the 20 counties that are located along the coast of the
Pacific Ocean and the San Francisco Bay, including all
cities within these counties. This bill would bring
additional revenue into Redondo Beach that could be used to
improve the local infrastructure. SB 956 did not pass the
state legislature.
Ensure
that government focuses on the functions meant for only
government to do, and view the private sector as a resource.
Supported a measure
that would amend the State Constitution to protect
Proposition 42 funds from being diverted away from
transportation, while allowing flexibility to borrow the
funds on a temporary (maximum of three years) basis in case
of an emergency. ACA 11 is vital to ensure that our
transportation funding remains intact for the state. This
bill did not pass the state legislature.
Opposed a
proposed law that would establish the California Health
Insurance System to be administered by the newly created
California Health Insurance Agency under the control of an
elected Health Insurance Commissioner. SB 840 would create
more red tape and increase health insurance fees for
businesses to pay for this new department. This bill did
not pass the state legislature.
Continued
to update and add to the advocacy based Web site,
www.redondoadvocacy.biz, dedicated to interconnecting all
functions of the Chamber’s advocacy program. The Web pages
on the site are available to members 24 hours a day, 7 days
per week. The Web site tracks and publishes pertinent
legislation that may impact the economic vitality of the
city.
Created
and implemented a public relations plan to communicate
Chamber positions to the community, business leaders, local
elected officials, and state legislators.
Developed
monthly, Chamber specific newsletter articles presenting
important actions taken on behalf of the Chamber’s
membership.
E-Alerts
sent to over 600 members urging them to take action on
important issues impacting the local business climate.
E-Alerts are sent monthly or on an as needed basis to inform
the membership on advocacy related topics that need their
attention and provides a convenient process by which their
voice can be heard in Sacramento.
Initiated
several large letter writing campaigns. Specifically, one
against the disruption of the 310 area code and another to
ensure the Los Angeles Air Force Base remains open. Both of
the aforementioned campaigns produced successful results.
Traveled
to San Francisco to testify and present in front of the
California Public Utilities Commission about the negative
impacts of the 310 area code split. The Chamber played a
vital role during hearings and subsequent meetings with key
decision makers in the Commission. The 310 area code split
would place many Redondo Beach businesses at a competitive
disadvantage to other area codes within the state of
California and among the other 49 states of the union.
Continue
to lead efforts to elect Chamber business leaders to local
offices. In March 2005, Steve Diels was elected to Council
Member District 4, Mike Gin was elected Mayor, and Steve
Aspel was elected to Council Member District 1.
Require
the government to be accountable for its actions and for the
programs it operates.
Supported the
Governor’s proposed redistricting reform, Proposition 77, on
the November 2005 Special Election Ballot. Although the
initiative failed to pass, the Chamber’s e-Alerts,
advertising, and Opinion articles did not go unnoticed. Had
Proposition 77 been approved, it would have restructured
California’s redistricting operations, improved the
competitiveness of statewide elections, and ensured that
elected representatives are held accountable to their
constituents.
Issued
vote records for the six elected officials in the South Bay
region. Our local legislators need to be held accountable
to their constituents and for their anti-jobs votes. Redondo
Beach’s economic vitality depends on our elected
representatives’ pro-jobs votes on proposed laws.
Require government and its actions to be measured
periodically to ensure maximum efficiency and return on
investment with public funds.
Supported the Governor’s proposed redistricting reform,
Proposition 77, on the November 2005 Special Election
Ballot. Although the initiative failed to pass, the
Chamber’s e-Alerts, advertising, and Opinion articles did
not go unnoticed. Had Proposition 77 been approved, it
would have restructured California’s redistricting
operations, improved the competitiveness of statewide
elections, and ensured that elected representatives are held
accountable to their constituents.
Issued
vote records for the six elected officials in the South Bay
region. Our local legislators need to be held accountable
to their constituents and for their anti-jobs votes. Redondo
Beach’s economic vitality depends on our elected
representatives’ pro-jobs votes on proposed laws.
Published
a Redondo Beach City Council vote record on the HT Grill
appeal. The Chamber and its membership appeared before the
Council, along with other members of the community, to
testify in favor of the appeal. The City Council voted in
agreement with the Chamber and the appeal was granted.
Promote
a legal system that contains checks and balances to ensure
fairness to all.
Supported
a proposed law that would stop frivolous lawsuits for
damages against a public facility when a slight deviation
from a code or regulation has no significant impact on a
disabled person's right to the goods and services provided.
AB 20 would instead provide that the remedy for this
technical violation would be an injunctive relief and the
recovery of attorney's fee. This bill would significantly
help reduce arbitrary lawsuits against businesses in Redondo
Beach. AB 20 did not pass the state legislature.
Supported
the Governor’s proposed redistricting reform, Proposition
77, on the November 2005 Special Election Ballot. Although
the initiative failed to pass, the Chamber’s e-Alerts,
advertising, and Opinion articles did not go unnoticed. Had
Proposition 77 been approved, it would have restructured
California’s redistricting operations, improved the
competitiveness of statewide elections, and ensured that
elected representatives are held accountable to their
constituents.
Supported
legislation that would establish notice requirements for an
alleged aggrieved party to follow before bringing a legal
action against a business for an alleged violation of ADA
provisions. SB 855 will help decrease costly frivolous
lawsuits against employers. This bill did not pass the
state legislature.
Supported
a proposed law that would require workplace posters and
regulations be written in plain language so that employers
and employees can easily understand them. AB 1709 will help
businesses reduce the amount of miscommunications with its
employees, which may lead to expensive frivolous lawsuits.
This bill did not pass the state legislature.
Opposed
and wrote letters to local elected officials about a
proposed law that will provide new incentives for plaintiffs
and their attorneys to file lawsuits on minimum wage and
overtime by creating two new types of class action "sue your
boss" lawsuits. SB 174 would increase the cost of doing
business in Redondo Beach and in California. This bill was
vetoed by the Governor because of the additional legal
expenditures it would cause for businesses.
Supported
a proposed law that would stop frivolous lawsuits for
damages against a public facility when a slight deviation
from a code or regulation has no significant impact on a
disabled person's right to the goods and services provided.
AB 20 would instead provide that the remedy for this
technical violation would be an injunctive relief and the
recovery of attorney's fee. This bill would significantly
help reduce arbitrary lawsuits against businesses in Redondo
Beach. AB 20 did not pass the state legislature.
Opposed
legislation that would increase the damages an employee may
obtain from an employer in a civil action lawsuit. The
Chamber opposed AB 169 because it did not curb the crippling
effects of unwarranted and frivolous lawsuits on our
businesses, consumers, taxpayers, and communities. The
legislation was vetoed by the Governor because it would put
employers at a significant disadvantage because the awards
would encourage new litigation against California
businesses.
View
the private sector as a partner in serving the needs of the
public.
Issued vote records
for the six elected officials in the South Bay region. Our
local legislators need to be held accountable to their
constituents and for their anti-jobs votes. Redondo Beach’s
economic vitality depends on our elected representatives’
pro-jobs votes on proposed laws.
Published
a Redondo Beach City Council vote record on the HT Grill
appeal. The Chamber and its membership appeared before the
Council, along with other members of the community, to
testify in favor of the appeal. The City Council voted in
agreement with the Chamber and the appeal was granted.
Traveled
to San Francisco to testify and present in front of the
California Public Utilities Commission about the negative
impacts of the 310 area code split. The Chamber played a
vital role during hearings and subsequent meetings with key
decision makers in the Commission. The 310 area code split
would place many Redondo Beach businesses at a competitive
disadvantage to other area codes within the state of
California and among the other 49 states of the union.
Continue
to lead efforts to elect Chamber business leaders to local
offices. In March 2005, Steve Diels was elected to Council
Member District 4, Mike Gin was elected Mayor, and Steve
Aspel was elected to Council Member District 1.
Support
an educational system that prepares people for jobs and
careers.
Initiated
a letter writing campaign and supported legislation that
requires each person between the ages of 6 and 18 years to
attend the public full-time day school in the district in
which their parent or guardian is a resident. AB 208 will
ensure that the youth of Redondo Beach receive the education
needed to live and work in the area. The bill was signed
into law by the Governor.
The
Chamber supported the Governor’s decision to allocate more
than $1.3 billion to the state’s transportation projects.
Findings in the study released by The Road Information
Program (TRIP) found more transportation funding is needed
to improve the state’s roads and highways. Increased funds
to state and regional projects will create new jobs and
enhance the vitality of the local economy.
Supported
the Governor’s proposed education reform, Proposition 74, on
the November 2005 Special Election Ballot. Although the
initiative failed to pass, the Chamber’s e-Alerts,
advertising, and Opinion articles did not go unnoticed. Had
Proposition 74 been approved, it would have restructured
California’s teacher tenure length, improved the quality of
California’s teachers, and ensured that teachers are held
accountable to their students.
Supported
the Governor’s proposed budget reform, Proposition 76, on
the November 2005 Special Election Ballot. Although the
initiative failed to pass, the Chamber’s e-Alerts,
advertising, and opinion articles did not go unnoticed.
Proposition 76 approval would have restructured California’s
budget operations and enhanced the economic vitality of the
state and region.
Promote
a quality of life that supports the Redondo Beach community
as an affordable place to live, work and do business.
Fought for federal
transportation funding needed to improve the infrastructure
of the Redondo Beach area. The Chamber initiated a letter
writing campaign to local state and federal elected
officials and worked closely with Congresswoman Jane Harman
and her staff.
Supported
Proposition J, Option B during the March 2005 City
Elections. Even though Option B lost, the Chamber’s
advertising, opinion articles, and e-ALERTS did not go
unnoticed. The Chamber continues to work hard to insure that
the Option A reflects the ideas of our membership and is
handled with the business community’s interests in mind.
Supported
the renewal of California’s investment in tourism funding.
Tourism spending is responsible for local jobs, local taxes,
and state taxes. The Chamber instigated a letter writing
campaign to the Governor and local elected officials to
restore the $7.3 million due to the tourism fund. Tourism
is a vital part of Redondo Beach’s economic vitality and the
Chamber continues to ensure Redondo Beach remains an
attractive tourist destination.
Wrote
letters and supported legislation that prohibits a person
from knowingly possessing specified weapons and other items
within any sterile area of an airport and a passenger vessel
terminal. AB 280 was passed into law by the Governor. This
bill will ensure that the ports and airports in our area
will remain safe for our citizens to travel and do business.
Supported
a proposed law that would permit an individual employee,
with the consent of his/her employer, to work up to 10 hours
per day within a 40-hour workweek, "with no set workweek."
AB 640 would not require overtime pay. This bill would
offer more flexibility for employers and their employees to
do business. This type of workweek can be used as a
marketing tool to attract new businesses and employees to
the area. AB 640 did not pass the state legislature.
Promote
economic development opportunities in Redondo Beach for
business retention and attraction.
Supported
and instigated a large letter writing campaign in support of
legislation that would require the California Public
Utilities Commission (CPUC) to request the FCC to delegate
authority to the commission to implement inventory
management guidelines to ensure carrier compliance with
6-month inventory rules and timing for donations and returns
to the numbering pool. AB 1380 would help with the inventory
of numbers of the 310 area code issue. The bill was vetoed
by the Governor.
Initiated
several large letter writing campaigns. Specifically, one
against the disruption of the 310 area code and another to
ensure the Los Angeles Air Force Base remains open. Both of
the aforementioned campaigns produced successful results.
Traveled
to San Francisco to testify and present in front of the
California Public Utilities Commission about the negative
impacts of the 310 area code split. The Chamber played a
vital role during hearings and subsequent meetings with key
decision makers in the Commission. The 310 area code split
would place many Redondo Beach businesses at a competitive
disadvantage to other area codes within the state of
California and among the other 49 states of the union.
Supported
the renewal of California’s investment in tourism funding.
Tourism spending is responsible for local jobs, local taxes,
and state taxes. The Chamber instigated a letter writing
campaign to the Governor and local elected officials to
restore the $7.3 million due to the tourism fund. Tourism
is a vital part of Redondo Beach’s economic vitality and the
Chamber continues to ensure Redondo Beach remains an
attractive tourist destination.
Voted to
support the successful passage of the Dominican
Republic-Central American Free Trade Agreement (DR-CAFTA).
Wrote letters to local and federal legislators promoting
that the agreement ensures the United States would continue
to gain access to those markets, enhance the economy, and
create jobs via increased trade opportunities.
Fought for
federal transportation funding needed to improve the
infrastructure of the Redondo Beach area. The Chamber
initiated a letter writing campaign to local state and
federal elected officials and worked closely with
Congresswoman Jane Harman and her staff.
Supported
Proposition J, Option B during the March 2005 City
Elections. Even though Option B lost, the Chamber’s
advertising, opinion articles, and e-ALERTS did not go
unnoticed. The Chamber continues to work hard to insure that
the Option A reflects the ideas of our membership and is
handled with the business community’s interests in mind.
Encourage an adequate supply of appropriate housing to meet
the needs of our area.
(No
relevant action)
The
Redondo Beach Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau
recognizes the significant contribution of the LA
International Airport to the economic and job base of the
region. Our Chamber supports reconfiguration of LAX not to
exceed 78 million passengers annually and only when concerns
of airport security, air and ground traffic and
infrastructure, and sufficient and convenient passenger
access and ground transportation are adequately addressed.
In addition our chamber supports a regional solution to meet
air passenger and cargo needs.
The
Chamber continues to advocate via newsletters,
presentations, meetings, and public hearings for a regional
airport plan because the solution to the Master Plan is not
through LAX. Regionalization of all the airports in the
southern California area is essential to a prosperous
economy. The Chamber will continue to strive for a
regionalization agreement that satisfies all of the
stakeholders’ interests and all the cities involved.
The
Chamber recognizes the positive economic impact of the Los
Angeles Air Force Base on the South Bay region. The Chamber
supports the retention of the Los Angeles Air Force Base in
an effort to protect the Los Angeles Air Force Base as the
Department of Defense begins the next round of Base
Realignments and Closures (BRAC).
Supported a proposed
law that would authorize the legislative bodies of the
communities located in Los Angeles County to adopt
ordinances to expend their tax-increment moneys outside of
their territorial jurisdiction to implement the Los Angeles
Air Force Base Retention Program through the formation of a
separate joint powers entity. AB 623 would ensure that the
many jobs the LAAFB employs would remain intact. This bill
did not pass that state legislature.
Supported
and spearheaded a regional coalition to preserve the Los
Angeles Air Force Base. The coalition played a pivotal role
in the successful campaign as it produced many letters to
local, state, and federal elected officials and opinion
articles on the situation. Although the LAAFB was spared
this time from closure, there will be more work to be done
to prevent the LAAFB from being on the next list of base
closures. The LAAFB is an important part of the region’s
economic vitality and the Chamber will continue to protect
its livelihood.
Encourage an adequate, reliable and cost-effective utility
infrastructure system (including gas, electric and water) be
promoted, developed and maintained to meet the needs of our
community.
The
Chamber joined Californians for Clean Affordable Safe Energy
(Cal-CASE) to help secure California’s energy future. The
Chamber recognizes the importance of meeting the growing
demand for clean-burning natural gas and advocates for
approval of facilities to allow for the importation of
liquefied natural gas (LNG). Increased supply of LNG will
allow businesses and residents to remain in the region;
therefore, increasing Redondo Beach’s economic viability and
quality of life.
Supported
and instigated a large letter writing campaign in support of
legislation that would require the California Public
Utilities Commission (CPUC) to request the FCC to delegate
authority to the commission to implement inventory
management guidelines to ensure carrier compliance with
6-month inventory rules and timing for donations and returns
to the numbering pool. AB 1380 would help with the inventory
of numbers of the 310 area code issue. The bill was vetoed
by the Governor.
Initiated
several large letter writing campaigns. Specifically, one
against the disruption of the 310 area code and another to
ensure the Los Angeles Air Force Base remains open. Both of
the aforementioned campaigns produced successful results.
Traveled
to San Francisco to testify and present in front of the
California Public Utilities Commission about the negative
impacts of the 310 area code split. The Chamber played a
vital role during hearings and subsequent meetings with key
decision makers in the Commission. The 310 area code split
would place many Redondo Beach businesses at a competitive
disadvantage to other area codes within the state of
California and among the other 49 states of the union.
Fought for
federal transportation funding needed to improve the
infrastructure of the Redondo Beach area. The Chamber
initiated a letter writing campaign to local state and
federal elected officials and worked closely with
Congresswoman Jane Harman and her staff.
Opposed
the legislation on the November 2005 Special Election that
would regulate the electric service providers. Proposition
80 failed to pass and the Chamber’s e-Alerts, advertising,
and Opinion articles did not go unnoticed. Had Proposition
80 been approved, it would have subjected the electric
service providers to regulation by California Public
Utilities Commission and restricted the electricity
customers’ ability to switch from private utilities to other
providers.
Click here
to contact the Redondo Beach Chamber
for more
information
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