Spring Newsletter
April 22, 2022 | CRA Spring Newsletter
Message from the President
The CRA team has been hard at work representing the retail industry before the State Legislature, City Councils and regulatory boards across the state. Lots of new issues were added to our plate focusing on privacy, employee data, packaging and labor. 

We continue to focus on retail theft and ORC, and while we saw a few setbacks, there is still plenty of time for CRA to advocate to protect our employees, our customers and the neighborhoods retailers serve. In my years advocating to the State Legislature, I have learned nothing is final until the stroke of midnight on the final day of session – August 31st – and in California terms that is light years away!

As the legislative session starts to heat up, I hope you will take advantage of engaging with the CRA team. We are here to help all our members, our door and email are always open. Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have questions, input or comments on policy proposals being considered in California.

Finally – SAVE THE DATE! CRA will be hosting our IN PERSON Annual Meeting September 26 – 27 in Sonoma, California. More details to follow, but we are working on a DYNAMIC agenda that you will not want to miss!

Rachel
Legislative, Budget & Political Updates
CRA Retail Theft Legislative Effort Update

Capitol Weekly recently published an op-ed co-authored by CRA's President and CEO Rachel Michelin regarding Cal Retailers' efforts on Organized Retail Crime. This is part of our Californians Safe Stores and Neighborhoods campaign focusing on the 4 D's -- Dismantle, Disrupt, Deter and Divert.
 
The CRA team has been working hard on this issue and we continue to advocate on all aspects of our retail theft package -- $300 million in the Governor's budget proposal, support of Senate Bill 301, California's version of the federal INFORM Consumers Act and Assembly Bill 2390 to allow aggregation of petty theft charges up to the $950.00 felony threshold for grand theft. This bill is set to be heard in the California Assembly Public Safety Committee on April 26th.
 
In addition, CRA is planning a "Retail Theft Summit" on June 17th in Sacramento. This Summit will bring together representatives from the Governor’s office and the Attorney General, members of the State Legislature, criminal justice advocates, business leaders, CRA members who are part of our public affairs campaign and other stakeholders to work on comprehensive statewide policy initiatives related to retail theft and organized retail crime. 
 
If you would like to become involved in our Californians for Safe Stores and Neighborhoods campaign, please reach out to Rachel directly She can share how CRA members can support our efforts around ORC and retail theft in California. This is a marathon, not a sprint. The CRA team is committed to seeing meaningful policy changes that provide relief to retail employees, retail consumers and the neighborhoods in which retailers operate from the growing problem of retail theft and ORC.
Regulatory Updates
CRA In The News
In Case You Missed It...

RETAIL THEFT

Op-ed: Political leaders must lead fight against organized retail crime
Capitol Weekly

Rep. Young Kim introduces bill to address organized retail crime
Orange County Breeze

Political leaders must lead fight against organized retail crime
The Ripon Advance

Rep. Kim introduces bill to improve enforcement coordination, crack down on retail crime
Homeland Preparedness News

Retail theft bill withdrawn after Assembly committee proposes narrow amendment 
Southern California Record

Lawmakers spar over crime policy
CalMatters E-News

California legislature to hear bill aimed at deterring serial retail offenders
Fox News Digital Originals
 
John & Ken Show April 5 Podcast
KFI 640AM Los Angeles
 
Lawmakers Are Calling for Action on Growing Retail Theft in California
KCRA3 TV (NBC) Sacramento

Cal Retailers CEO and Californians for Safe Stores and Neighborhoods Statewide Chair Responds to AB 2390 Being Pulled by Author from Assembly Public Safety Committee
Los Angeles Post

New bill aims to stop California’s repeat retail theft, provide diversion programs, job training
Northern California Record

California Retailers Behind Bill to Address Theft Under Prop 47
The Business Journal

Proposed CA Bill Aimed at Cracking Down on Brazen Retail Robberies Put on Pause
ABC 7 Los Angeles

Bill aimed at retail thieves dies in committee
Thousand Oaks Acorn

Charges Brought Against 9 People in California Retail Theft Ring
LA Weekly

The Business Journal

Proposed changes to California's prop. 47
KTVU 2 (Fox) Bay Area

New proposal aims to prevent organized retail theft California 
KTXL 40 (Fox) Sacramento

CA Attorney General lays charges in statewide retail theft ring that hit several Bay Area counties
ABC 7 Bay Area

9 people charged in organized retail theft ring in California 
KMPH 26 (Fox) Fresno

Attorney general announces felony charges against members of statewide organized retail theft ring
Lake County News

Attorney General Bonta Announces Felony Charges Against Members of Statewide Organized Retail Theft Ring
Office of the California Attorney General Rob Bonta

Retailers organize coalition to combat 'smash and grab' theft
Southern California Record

New campaign aims to discourage retail theft
KRON 4 Bay Area News

Special Report: Fight against organized crime
Fox11 Los Angeles

No longer the 'mask police': End of mandates brings relief for (some) business owners
USA Today

OTHER ISSUES

Industry groups divided on weight loss supplement bill
Beauty Mantin

You Can Now Get COVID Sick Leave Again in California
KQED
CRA Outreach & Activities
CRA President and CEO Rachel Michelin Honored at National Association of Women Business Owners 26th Annual Outstanding Women Leaders Awards

Rachel was among the finalists nominated for the Against All Odds category for her work advocating for and protecting California's retail industry throughout the many challenges presented by the pandemic. She was recognized at a special dinner hosted by NAWBO, which was held at Sacramento Municipal Utility District's new Museum of Science and Curiosity Center.
CRA President and CEO Rachel Michelin to Speak at BizFed Institute's Sustainable Commerce & Supply Chain Forum

The BizFed Institute is hosting a virtual forum to look at the obstacles that the supply chain faces today and in the future. The Forum will develop actionable next steps and solutions to these prominent challenges and find ways for businesses to navigate increased costs in the movement and distribution of goods regionally in Southern California. Goods movement participants will include representatives from the retail, trucking, shipping, warehouse and rail industries. Conversation will cover distribution to the consumer both from direct delivery and conventional retail. The future of business will examine the ever shaping intricacies of multiple types of goods to the end user. This includes everything from cars to grocery to clothing and more. 


CRA will also be participating in NRF Protect 2022. Click here to view the agenda.
CRA President and CEO Addresses San Francisco Chamber of Commerce During Annual CityState Sacramento Trip

The event included a delegation of business, civic and government leaders and "provided a unique opportunity to learn from local leaders working together on priorities that enhance the economic viability of San Francisco." Rachel spoke on a panel about the "State of Retail, Tourism and Crime in California".
Monthly Policy Calls
The following includes the remainder of the 2022 monthly policy call calendar covering this year's legislative session (dates are subject to change). For CRA members' designated contacts who are not regularly receiving these policy call reminders and calendar invites, please email cra@calretailers.com to be added moving forward. Policy calls are held on Fridays at 10:00am PT.

  • April 22
  • May 27
  • June 24
  • August 26
  • September 23
CRA Member News & Highlights
Amazon Announces Welcome Door Initiative to Assist Refugees and the Humanitarian-Based Immigrant Population

Amazon launched the Welcome Door Initiative. The Welcome Door Initiative provides a new benefit to employees in the U.S. who have work authorization through a humanitarian-based Employment Authorization Document (EAD). Prior to this announcement, employees were forced to navigate immigration benefits on their own. With the current demand to help refugees and asylees resettle in the U.S., Amazon is ready to lead by providing new resources and support for this population. Read more.
Resources for California’s Appliance Efficiency Regulations (Title 20)

It’s no surprise that consumers are changing their purchasing behaviors to be more sustainable and environmentally friendly. However, that raises the question of, “How can businesses easily provide customers with products that align with their values?” If you find yourself in this camp, look no further.

California’s Appliance Efficiency Regulations (Title 20) ensure that California consumers are only offered energy- and water-efficient products. However, it is up to retailers to ensure they are verifying that the products they sell (both online and in-store) are compliant. 

If you’re asking yourself, “What is Title 20? Why is it important? What’s my role in all of this?” then this is your lucky day. Energy Code Ace, a program that offers no-cost toolstraining and resources to help retailers comply with Title 20, has just published two new fact sheets on Title 20 Basics and MAEDbS 101, both of which may be downloaded here.
 
Retailers play a significant role in ensuring customers are only offered the efficient, compliant products they want, and the environment needs. Identifying compliant products that consumers are looking for has never been easier. Make compliance a priority today and let our team know if you have any questions at title20@energycodeace.com.
CRA Member Portal
CRA members get access to CRA's exclusive online member portal, which contains coalition letters, floor alerts, regulatory comments and testimony that California Retailers Association authored or signed on to during previous Legislative sessions as well as the latest updates on the 2021-2022 legislative session. The portal also contains newsletter, news alert archives and important association governance documents for your reference. If you have not yet received your login credentials and access instructions please email cra@calretailers.com. We are also available to answer any questions you may have regarding portal navigation.