Yesterday the Chamber hosted an interview with State Senator Brian Jones and Editor in Chief David Ross of the Escondido Times-Advocate. It was an opportunity to question the Senator from the 38th District on activities going on recently in Sacramento. Senator Jones was very accommodating and led by David we were able to ask any questions with nothing held back. The context of the interview is captured in David’s article in tomorrow’s T-A.
The interview centered on legislation passed and signed by the Governor recently. Of high concern on the Chamber’s part are the issues of homelessness, pending vehicle mileage tax and the signing of SB8, SB9 and SB10 legislation signed into law on housing. The Chamber has received a high amount of feedback and questions on the local impact of these three bills, and here is a brief summary:
· SB 8 (Skinner; D-Berkeley): Pro Housing Production. Provides technical cleanup and extends the sunset date to January 1, 2030 for SB 330 (Skinner-2019), a law that promotes more affordable housing development in California by reducing permitting delays and unexpected fees levied during the housing development permitting process.
· SB 9 (Atkins; D-San Diego): Pro Housing Production. Streamlines more infill housing while providing substantial local control to land use development by allowing property owners to convert single-family homes into multiple units or divide their properties and build up to two residential units on each lot, all without triggering CEQA so long as all units are consistent with all local land use laws.
· SB 10 (Wiener; D-San Francisco): Pro Housing Production. Provides local cities and counties with full authority to streamline upzoning in their jurisdiction for up to ten additional middle-income density housing units per parcel without triggering CEQA, if they choose.
There are many questions unanswered regarding the full effect of these three bills and we’re following this closely at the Chamber. Be sure to read the full interview in tomorrow’s T-A.
Back to other Chamber business.
Be sure to make plans and join the Chamber for Escondido’s Grand Avenue Festival returning Sunday October 17th. The downtown streets of Escondido will be alive with music, demonstrations, crafts, food, and a beer garden. Come out and enjoy the day as we celebrate this grand tradition returning after the pandemic induced hiatus.
More information can be found here.
And while you’re calendaring events be sure to make plans now to play in the Chamber’s November 15th bi-annual golf outing at Native Oaks Golf Course. Your support of this event helps fund the Chamber’s Career Training Education programs. CTE is critical in providing the youth of our community access to options when planning their future. More information will be coming soon!
Are you looking for ways to get involved in your local community? How about applying to become a Greater Escondido Chamber of Commerce Ambassador? The Ambassador’s are a group of volunteers serving as business community liaisons for the Chamber. It’s a fun way to give back to your community. For more information on the Ambassador program at the Chamber contact Cheryl Engdahl by calling the Chamber at 760.745.2125.
Cheers,
James Rowten (JR)
