Dr. Julian Rodriguez, Superintendent, SoCal Roc | |
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As I entered the Southern California Regional Occupational Center (SoCal ROC) administration building, I was walking into an office that I was no stranger to. The Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce has partnered with SoCal Roc on many programs and activities which benefit high school students and adults.
This visit, however, was different than those of the past. Today, I was meeting with Dr. Julian Rodriguez, Superintendent of SoCal Roc. Dr. Rodriguez assumed the superintendent position on July 1, 2023. Since that time, he has been meeting with cabinet members, employers, students, and community members to listen, to explore partnership possibilities and to learn how to adapt class offerings at SoCal Roc to meet the needs of a changing workforce. Read More...
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Chamber Opposes Bill to Subsidize Striking Workers | |
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The Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce has signed on a coalition letter of opposition to SB 1116 (Portantino). The bill, which mandates employers to subsidize striking workers, irrespective of whether the employer has experienced strikes, is viewed as a job killer by the California Chamber of Commerce and affiliated organizations.
SB 1116 not only increases the financial burden on businesses but also disrupts a longstanding precedent spanning over 70 years. Moreover, this legislation jeopardizes California's unemployment insurance program's compliance with federal law, as highlighted by the Governor's vetoes of similar bills in the past. Given the state's already substantial UI fund deficit, SB 1116 would exacerbate the crisis, further increasing the state's interest payments and potentially prolonging economic recovery efforts.
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Los Angeles County businesses are reminded of the critical deadline to submit their Business Property Statement Filing (Form 571-L) by April 1 to avoid a 10% penalty, applicable after May 7. This filing is essential for determining property tax assessments on business equipment and related fixtures. To aid businesses in understanding and completing this process, Los Angeles County Assessor Jeff Prang is hosting a virtual webinar on March 28 from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. This session aims to clarify any doubts regarding the Business Property Statement and will feature breakout workshops in multiple languages including English, Spanish, Farsi, Chinese, Russian, and Armenian. Businesses are encouraged to register for this informative webinar at the Los Angeles County Assessor's official events page to avoid penalties and ensure compliance. | |
‘Hidden Hero’ to be Honored at the Torrance Police Department Community Update | |
The Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the Los Angeles Airforce Base launched a program in 2023 that honors military members. The Chamber’s Military Affairs Council (MAC) ‘Hidden Heroes’ program serves to recognize Active-Duty Airmen and Guardians who have contributed to the local community. Contributions include serving on numerous on- and off-duty volunteer activities, military councils, and organizations supporting several morale and welfare events. The chamber will recognize Technical Sergeant Alex Inn at the Torrance Police Department Community Update.
Technical Sergeant Alex Inn serves as a Non-Commissioned Officer in charge of Standardization and Evaluation, 61st Security Forces Squadron, Space Base Delta-3, Los Angeles Air Force Base. In this capacity, he executes standardization, self-inspection, and proficiency evaluation programs for 85 active-duty members and Department of the Air Force Civilian Police Officers. Read More...
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Voice Your Viewpoint on Metro's C-line Extension | |
The Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce supports Metro's C-line extension by advocating for the Right of Way (ROW) with Elevated/At-Grade option. Mark Dierking, Community Relations Manager and Georgia Sheridan, Senior Planning Director for the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority have provided several presentations and updates to the chamber's Government Affairs Policy committee. The chamber invites you to voice your viewpoint on the C-line alignment preference by providing comments at an in-person meeting or live public comment on the phone. | |
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Donna Duperron joined Nital Patel, District Director, Office of Senator Steve Bradford and
Aurelia Friedman Frank, Special Projects Manager and Senior Field Representative for
Congressman Ted Lieu in a test drive of the new Honda CR-V e:FCEV.
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Duperron attends event featuring Plug-in Hydrogen Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle | Donna Duperron, CEO, attended an event last week at American Honda Motor Co., that featured the all-new Honda CR-V e:FCEV (Plug-in Hydrogen Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle). The new Honda CR-V e:FCEV marks North America’s first production vehicle to combine a plug-in feature with FCEV technology in one model, which enables the driver to charge the onboard battery to deliver EV driving around town with the flexibility of fast hydrogen refueling for longer trips. The new FCEV will be based on the all-new Honda CR-V, adding zero emissions and EV driving performance to America’s best-selling crossover vehicle of the past quarter century. | |
Torrance Civic Center Master Plan & Economic Feasibility Study - Community Survey | |
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In an exciting development for Torrance, the city has teamed up with Gruen Associates to craft a long-term master plan for the Torrance Civic Center, and they're seeking public input to guide their efforts. As part of a comprehensive community engagement strategy, residents are encouraged to share their vision, priorities, and goals through an online Community Survey accessible by CLICKING HERE, or by picking up a physical copy at any City library branch or the Permit Center.
The survey period has been extended until March 31, 2024. If submitting in person, kindly deliver your responses to any Library branch or the Permit Center by the close of business on March 31st or ensure they are postmarked no later than March 31st to the following address to the attention of the City Manager’s Office at 3031 Torrance Boulevard, Torrance, CA 90503.
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Leadership Torrance visited The Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation an independent non-profit biomedical research organization as part of Education Day. | |
Sign up for the 5K for Freedom Run/Walk | |
Secure your spot in the 5K for Freedom Run/Walk on Saturday, May 18th, 2024, by registering today. The event welcomes both individuals and teams to participate in a course that traces the scenic Torrance Boulevard, the same route as the Armed Forces Day Parade. Join us for an inspiring day of camaraderie and patriotism. This year, we're excited to highlight the United States Space Force as part of the broader Torrance Armed Forces Day celebration. Visit Torrance5k.com for more details and to register. | |
Planning for the 61st annual International Surf Festival is underway. Presented by the Chambers of Commerce and Cities of Hermosa Beach, Manhattan Beach, Redondo Beach Torrance, Los Angeles Fire Department and Beaches and Harbors the events will take place July 31st - August 4th. Charlotte Melsh is the chamber’s committee liaison. | |
The Chamber helps businesses reach their full potential. | |  |
For more information about the Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce, call (310) 540-5858 or
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