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As the leading voice of business, The Chamber dedicates its efforts to creating and sustaining a business-friendly environment. Below will be a regular update on our advocacy efforts and action alerts to keep our members informed on local, state, and federal legislation and policies while providing opportunities for our members to get engaged. 

Local Update

Garcia presents $3.4 million in federal funds to upgrade child development center at CSU Long Beach

The upgraded facility aims to provide child care to additional students who are earning a degree while raising small children. (04/29/2024, Press Telegram)

5 Cal State universities tap shared $12.2 million in federal funds

The money will support various projects at Long Beach, Fullerton, San Bernardino, Northridge, San Diego. The money was included in a congressionally directed “minibus” funding package for the 2024 fiscal year, the announcement said, which was signed into law by President Joe Biden on Friday, March 8. The idea came up at a March 19 meeting where City Council members were given a picture of Long Beach’s long-term budget prospects. (04/29/2024, Press Telegram)

Vincent Thomas Bridge could close for more than 3 years, according to new analysis

State officials are considering various construction options for significant repair work on the Vincent Thomas Bridge, including one that would fully close the bridge for more than three years beginning in fall 2025. A draft environmental analysis released this month shows the most significant impact of the work will be traffic and congestion in San Pedro, Wilmington, Carson and Long Beach, potentially for an extended period of time. (04/26/2024, LB Post )

Another massive cruise ship, the Carnival Firenze, now calls Long Beach home

An enormous cruise ship that will start sailing out of Long Beach has just docked here for the first time. The Carnival Firenze is 1,061 feet long. It can carry up to 4,126 guests and 1,425 crewmembers on its trips along Mexico’s Pacific Coast to destinations like Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlán and Puerto Vallarta. (0424/2024, LB Post)

Port-based companies receive $44M in federal funds to reduce emissions

Two companies based at the Port of Long Beach won a combined $44 million to help reduce truck emissions at the nation’s largest port complex, officials announced Monday. The federal grants from the Department of Transportation include $34.8 million to the Long Beach Container Terminal to support its electrification advancement project, which will reduce fossil-fueled trucks and cargo-handling equipment with zero-emission technology and improving overall terminal efficiency to minimize truck idling and gate congestion. (04/22/2024, LB Post)

State Update

The first big-rig hydrogen fuel station in the U.S. opens in California

OAKLAND — The first commercial hydrogen fuel station for big-rig trucks in the U.S. is up and running at the Port of Oakland, a baby step toward what hydrogen proponents see as a clean new future for long-haul trucking. The small station, now serving 30 hydrogen fuel-cell trucks, could mark the start of a nationwide network for fuel-cell truck refueling. It could also flop. (04/24/2024, LA Times)

Hospitals say hundreds of local patients waiting to discharge over delayed health insurance approvals

This week, the California Hospital Association sued Anthem Blue Cross, the state’s largest health insurance company, alleging that the health care giant takes far too long to approve placement in skilled nursing and other sorts of “post-acute” settings, causing an estimated 4,500 Californians to languish in emergency departments and hospital beds “waiting for their insurers to approve and arrange for their discharge.”  It’s a problem often decried in San Diego County and a request for estimates last week found that Scripps Health and Sharp HealthCare, two of the region’s largest medical providers, collectively had 163 patients in hospitals waiting for discharge. In Scripps’ case, the largest concentration of patients waiting to leave was at Scripps Mercy Hospital San Diego, which had 52 patients ready for discharge Wednesday. Sharp reported 21 “delayed discharge patients” at Sharp Chula Vista Medical Center. (04/29/2024, San Diego Union Tribune)

Federal Update

Elon Musk visits China as Tesla seeks green light for self-driving cars

Tesla received some encouraging news during CEO Elon Musk’s two-day visit to China, overcoming a major data security hurdle and sealing a deal to use maps created by China’s biggest search engine, moving it one step closer to being able to use its Autopilot technology in the country. Both were positive developments for Tesla, which reported a steep plunge in profits last week, as it tries to convince Chinese regulators that its Full Self-Driving (FSD) software is safe for use — despite repeated crashes in the United States. 

For questions regarding legislative/policy issues or any other advocacy-related items, please contact our advocacy team, John Edmond at john@edmondgroupllc.com 

Join us for an evening of elegance and achievement at the 133rd Annual Gala hosted by the Long Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, celebrating this year's Destination Tomorrow honoree, California State University Long Beach. Mark your calendars for Thursday, June 20, 2024, at The Westin Long Beach and be a part of the tradition that continues to champion a stronger community. Register Here.

The Level Up LB: Extreme Small Business Makeover and Grant  program offers entrepreneurs the opportunity to connect with essential support resources through workshops aimed at crafting new business and marketing plans. Upon completion of the program, participants become eligible to apply for $10k grants, allowing them to expand their business. 

Applications are open until May 21^st

Rotary Club of Long Beach

Join the Rotary Club of Long Beach for an evening of humor and tribute at the Rotary Roast on May 3, 2024, honoring Randy Gordon, the past President and CEO of the Long Beach Area Chamber of Commerce. Come celebrate Randy's impactful contributions to our community. Proceeds supporting the Long Beach Rotary Charitable Foundation.

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Long Beach Symphony

Crescendo is Long Beach Symphony’s largest annual fundraising event. Proceeds from this celebration of music directly benefit over 150 free music education programs in Long Beach. Join us this year at MOLAA, the Museum of Latin American Art!

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12th Annual Cottonwood Award Luncheon

Join us in celebrating the 12th Annual Cottonwood Award Luncheon on May 30, 2024, from 11am to 1pm. Hosted by Rancho Los Alamitos, this prestigious event will honor Skip Keesal of Keesal, Young & Logan for his remarkable contributions in leadership, alongside a special recognition for Gloria Cordero for her dedicated service and commitment to the community.

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St. Mary Charity Golf Classic

2024 Charity Golf Classic Invitation

Join us for the 31st Annual Charity Golf Classic on June 10, 2024, at Virginia Country Club. Chaired by John Arens and the St. Mary Golf Committee, this event has supported St. Mary with over $8 million raised since 1993. This year's proceeds will benefit the Healthcare Professionals Education at St. Mary Medical Center. We look forward to seeing you there!

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Advertising Opportunities Available!

Looking to expand your reach? Secure your advertising spot in the upcoming Spring Edition of Your Advocate magazine. For more information contact Kathy Moore here.

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