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Reminder: Include Mandatory Fees and Charges in Your Advertised Price
The State of California identifies false or misleading advertising practices as a crime and has an “Unfair Competition Law” to prohibit “unlawful, unfair, or fraudulent business act or practice and unfair, deceptive, untrue, or misleading advertising.” California also has the “Consumers Legal Remedies Act” to prohibit “unfair methods of competition and certain unfair or deceptive acts or practices undertaken by a person in a transaction intended to result or that results in the sale or lease of goods or services to a consumer, including advertising goods or services with intent not to sell them as advertised.” Under this law, a party that “suffers damage as a result of the use or employment by a person of a method, act, or practice declared to be unlawful” can “bring an action against that person to recover or obtain certain relief, including actual damages of at least $1,000.”
As of January 1, 2024, a new law - Senate Bill 478 - gives a consumer a right to sue a party under the Consumer Legal Remedies Act for prohibitions that now include “advertising, displaying, or offering a price for a good or service that does not include all mandatory fees or charges other than taxes or fees imposed by a government on the transaction” (with a few industry exceptions). The law will go into effect on July 1, 2024.
In other words, a customer may sue you if you advertise a price for something without including the price of additional mandatory charges such as resort fees, parking fees, service charges, health insurance and minimum wage surcharges, and convenience fees. On the other hand, if your business already includes all mandatory charges in your advertised prices, you should no longer be undercut by competitors who neglect to include mandatory charges in their advertised price. Contact Monica Lal at (831) 648-5350 or at monica@montereychamber.com if you want to know more as we learn about compliance with this new law or view the SB 478 Frequently Asked Questions.
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County of Monterey Continues Deliberation on Its Housing Plan
The County of Monterey is still struggling to prepare its 2023-2031 6th Cycle Housing Element of its General Plan, five months after the statutory deadline to submit a draft to the California Department of Housing and Community Development. At a four-hour special meeting on May 15, the Monterey County Planning Commission discussed a proposed Housing Element and then sent it back to staff for an overhaul. Numerous Monterey Peninsula residents objected to proposed areas for future housing in their neighborhoods, noting that additional housing could slow fire evacuation. There was also organized opposition to the County’s assumption that affordable housing would be created mostly through “inclusionary housing” mandates as a percentage of market rate housing developments.
Instead, the Planning Commission essentially directed staff to prepare a Housing Element that assumes future housing in unincorporated areas of Monterey County will be primarily high-density, 100% affordable housing, built by government or non-profits, and located in areas with low hazard risk. Obviously residents of these areas will object to whatever staff prepares next. And even if the Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors ends up approving the revised Housing Element, the State of California then has to review the final proposal to determine if it’s a legitimate housing plan.
The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing at a special meeting to review and comment on the project described above. The hearing will be held on Wednesday, June 5, 2024 at 9:00 AM. In addition to attending in person, public participation will be available by electronic and/or telephonic means. Read full Notice of Special Public Hearing.
Your Chamber of Commerce supports a goal of “Housing Affordability for the Local Workforce - A Balanced Choice of Options,” which means “a meaningful increase in the number of residential units for non-wealthy income levels (at least to fulfill the Regional Housing Needs Allocations) while preserving and protecting the international appeal of the regional environment and quality of life.” While increasing the supply of housing is consistently a top priority of Chamber members, we understand that many Monterey Peninsula residents see significant drawbacks to additional housing in their communities. Contact Monica Lal at (831) 648-5350 or at monica@montereychamber.com if you have concerns about the Chamber’s housing position.
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FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Travel Tips with RoseAnne Ruccello of Travel with RoseAnne
Wednesday, May 29 | 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Zoom or MPCC Offices
FREE
Discover the secrets to making your travel dreams a reality and embark on a journey filled with adventure and confidence.
Register >>
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RIBBON CUTTING: The Brass Tap Marina Grand Opening
Thursday, June 6 | 4:30 PM - 6:00 PM
99 General Stilwell Drive, Marina
Register >>
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RIBBON CUTTING: Everyone's Harvest Seaside Farmers Market 1-Year Anniversary
Thursday, June 20 | 3:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Laguna Grande Regional Park, Seaside
Register >>
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MIXER: Annual California Rodeo Mixer at Monterey Regional Airport
Thursday, June 27 | 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM
Observation Deck, Monterey Regional Airport, Monterey
Register >>
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West Coast Community Bancorp and 1st Capital Bancorp Announce Agreement to Merge
West Coast Community Bancorp, the holding company for Santa Cruz County Bank, headquartered in Santa Cruz, California, and 1st Capital Bancorp, the holding company for 1st Capital Bank, headquartered in Salinas, California, jointly announced today that they have entered into an agreement and plan of reorganization and merger (the "Agreement"), pursuant to which 1st Capital Bancorp will merge with and into West Coast Community Bancorp in an all-stock transaction valued at approximately $63 million, or $10.78 per FISB share, based on the closing price of $29.94 for West Coast Community Bancorp shares on May 20, 2024.
The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals and shareholder approval from both parties. Both Boards of Directors of West Coast Community Bancorp and 1st Capital Bancorp have unanimously approved the transaction, which is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2024. The directors of West Coast Community Bancorp and 1st Capital Bancorp have entered into agreements pursuant to which they have committed to vote their shares in favor of the transaction. At closing, Krista Snelling, President and CEO of the Bancorp and Bank, will lead the combined franchise.
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Cali Roots Returns to Monterey Fairgrounds this Memorial Day Weekend
Produced by MPCC Member Good Vibez Presents, the California Roots Festival on the Monterey Fairgrounds will open its doors to festival goers this Friday, May 24. Bringing in about 10,000 people per day, attendees contribute to the local economy by supporting businesses within the festival and also in town.
According to a report by Beacon Economics and California Roots, in 2022 total state-wide economic impacts reached $34.2 million, supporting 329 jobs and generating $15.7 million in labor income. Much of the impacts came from attendee spending with $25.7 million in economic output, and 264 jobs supported.
Tickets are still available for this 3-day event. Support local businesses and your fellow MPCC Members this Memorial Day weekend by attending the California Roots Festival all weekend long.
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Please forward this e-blast to your colleagues, customers, clients, friends, family and fellow community members!
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