February 24, 2023

Donna Visits Transformations Care

This week I had the opportunity to visit Transformations Care, a residential detox program. Founded in 2019, by Paul Dillenback and Roman Cooper, Transformations Care is a complete substance abuse treatment center offering addiction detox programs, residential treatment programs and an intensive outpatient program. 

Paul Stevens, executive director, welcomed me to the three bedroom residence and began sharing about the structure of Transformations Care. As I walked into the residence, I immediately felt like I was in a welcoming home.  The chef was preparing lunch and the aroma of sauteed red bell peppers and onions filled the air, I noticed three guitars hung on the wall, and pieces to a large puzzle were scattered on a table. Read More...

CalChamber Announces First 2023 Job Killer:

Proposed Oil Tax Would Devastate Vital California Industry,

Set Dangerous Precedent

The California Chamber of Commerce today announced on Tuesday, February 14, 2023, that SBX1 2 (Skinner; D-Berkeley) has been placed on the 2023 Job Killer List.

SBX1 2 proposes to cap oil refiner profits and financially penalize oil companies when the state determines these companies are making too much money. The bill is effectively a tax on the manufacture of products critical to the daily lives of Californians and employers in the state and would not provide any relief at the pump. SBX1 2 would exacerbate California’s affordability crisis, making the state an even more expensive place for everyone – businesses and residents alike. Read More...

Thank you Congressional Representatives Lieu and Waters for providing insights and remarks to the business community.

Appellate Court Backs Use of Arbitration in Employment

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit this week invalidated a law contested by the California Chamber of Commerce, ensuring that arbitration can continue to be used as an efficient forum in resolving disputes by employees and employers in California.

The CalChamber hailed the ruling in Chamber v. Bonta invalidating AB 51 (Lorena Gonzalez; D-San Diego), which prohibited employers from requiring employees to sign agreements to arbitrate any disputes arising from the employee’s employment. Read More...

Governor Issues Order to Increase Water Held in Reservoirs

Earlier this week, Governor Gavin Newsom issued an Executive Order intended to allow officials to hold more water in reservoirs. The order updates an earlier one issued last March.

Specifically, the order maintains the prior California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) suspension for projects that prioritize efficient uses of water, which has been utilized by groundwater recharge projects, among others, in the past year. Read More...

Duperron Provides Testimony at Metro Hearing

Donna Duperron, President/CEO, provided testimony at a METRO hearing this past Monday evening regarding the C Line (Green) extension to Torrance. Duperron delivered the message that the Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce is in support of the Metro Row Alignment (Elevated/Street-Level) option.

Metro has plans to connect more of the South Bay by extending the C Line (Green) from the Redondo Beach (Marine) Station to the new Torrance Transit Center, which would bring light rail to the area. This extension will provide an alternative to congestion along the busy 1-405 corridor and expand access to the region by connecting to the existing Metro Rail K, J and A lines. The chamber's government affairs policy (GAP) group, led by vice chair Larry Halvorsen, has heard several presentations on the three options and voted unanimously to vote for the Metro Row Alignment.

Mark Dierking, Community Relations Manager,

LA County Metropolitan Transportation Authority

Chamber to Honor Influential Women

This year’s honorees include Theresa Mack of Sunrise Senior Living at Palos Verdes, who will be receiving the Athena Award; Laurie Porter, Smog City Brewing, who will be receiving the Community Catalyst Award; Dawn Salvatore, MOOG, Inc., who will be receiving the Dedicated Leader Award; Sharon Kalani, City of Torrance Councilmember, who will be receiving the Government Excellence Award; Laura Schenasi, Torrance Memorial Medical Center, who will be receiving the Inspirational Leader Award; Elizabeth Lamas, SNAX Restaurant, who will be receiving the Small Business Award; and Marifrances Trivelli, Los Angeles Maritime Museum, who will be receiving the South Bay Spirit Award.

These seven extraordinary women will be recognized at this year’s Women of Influence on Thursday, March 16^th, 12:00 noon at Sunrider International. This event recognizes women for their leadership, dedication, and service to the South Bay. Colonel Mia Walsh, Commander, Space Base Delta 3, Los Angeles Air Force Base, will be the keynote speaker. Read More...

Tameika Smith to Receive Business Entrepreneur Award

Tameika Smith will be recognized with the Business Entrepreneur Award next Thursday at the Chamber’s Black History Celebration.

Tamieka Smith is a professional family photographer and a 10.5-year Air Force Veteran. Tamieka Smith Photography specializes in creating an unforgettable portrait experience for families, headshots, and military events. She guides you in creating beautiful portraits that showcases family’s personalities and true essence that customers will love and cherish for years. She has been married to her husband, an Air Force Lieutenant Colonel, for 28 years. Smith and her husband are proud parents of two teenage sons, one of which they adopted from Los Angeles County. Smith was born and raised in Tuscaloosa, Alabama (home of Alabama Crimson Tide football).

Members learn about the Power Savers Rewards (PSR) Program and how it rewards its members with bill credits when they conserve energy during program events.

Thursday, March 2nd, 8:30 AM - Small Business Council

Thursday, March 2nd, 4:30 PM - Black History Celebration

Thursday, March 9th, 12:00 PM - Government Affairs Policy

Tuesday, March 14th, 12:00 PM - Young Professionals Group

Wednesday, March 15th, 8:30 PM - Women in Business

Thursday, March 16th, 12:00 PM - Women of Influence

Tuesday, March 21st, 11:45 AM - Business at Noon

Barrister Executive Suites Inc | Gibraltar Protection, Inc dba GPI Security Services

High Ground Insurance Services, Inc | WelbeHealth LA COAST PACE

Bier Law | Sling Pilot Academy

1 - 5 Years

Snax Home of the Original Superburger

Y & People

Celprogen Inc

Immigration General Counsel

Paylocity: Payroll and HR

New Challenge Ministries

ATM International USA Inc

Accurate Termite and Pest Control

9Round

6-10 Years

Truxton's American Bistro

Torrance Tavern

Paradise Pool and Spa, Inc.

Martin Chevrolet

11-20 Years

Advertising & Marketing Network

Torrance Historical Society & Museum

Norms Restaurant / South Torrance

21-50 Years

Switzer Learning Center

McDonald's Restaurant

DoubleTree by Hilton Torrance - South Bay