Capitol Connection: Conejo Valley Chamber and Acorn Newspapers Host Candidates Forum on September 19th

ISSUE NO. 18 | August 30, 2024

5 Things to Know...

#1 Chamber and Acorn Newspapers Host Sept. 19th Candidates Forum

The Greater Conejo Valley Chamber of Commerce and the Acorn Newspapers are collaborating to host a Candidates Forum for Thousand Oaks City Council (Districts 4 and 5) and the Conejo Valley Unified School District Trustee races (Areas 1 and 5) appearing on the November 5, 2024 ballot. The free public forum will be held in the Lundring Events Center at California Lutheran University on Thursday, September 19th from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

The Candidates Forum will be streamed live on the Greater Conejo Valley Chamber Facebook page.

Candidates Forum Event Page

#2 Governor Newsom Signed Retail and Property Theft Legislation

Governor Gavin Newsom has signed a major bipartisan legislative package designed to combat property and retail crime. The new laws impose stricter penalties for repeat offenders and provide enhanced tools for prosecuting serious crimes like shoplifting, auto burglary, and smash-and-grab thefts. These measures aim to better protect retailers, support business owners, and ensure a safer environment for both employees and customers.

Governor Newsom’s Office Press Release

Governor Newsom’s Office Fact Sheet

#3 Conejo Valley Chamber Not Endorsing Candidates in 2024

The Greater Conejo Valley Chamber of Commerce's Endorsement Committee, appointed by the Board of Directors, met last week and after a thorough discussion unanimously decided the Chamber would not make candidate endorsements for the 2024 election cycle.

The Chamber encourages our businesses and the public to attend the Candidates Forum on September 19th to hear directly from local candidates running for Thousand Oaks City Council on policy issues impacting the business community.

Acorn Newspaper Article Meet the Candidates

Candidates Forum Event Page

#4 Many Mansions Proposed a Solution for Project Homekey

Many Mansions has proposed reviving the stalled conversion of a former Quality Inn in Thousand Oaks into permanent supportive housing, aiming to secure additional Homekey funding from the state to complete the project. The proposal involves a $32 million development budget, with a significant portion requested from the state, and would include 77 units of affordable housing with social services.

Acorn Newspaper Article on the Proposal

#5 FTC Ban on Noncompete Agreements Overturned

On August 20th, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas overturned the FTC's ban on employment noncompete agreements. This ruling is a significant win for businesses and workers, as non-compete clauses foster innovation and promote fair market competition. While noncompete clauses continue to be banned in California, this ruling presents an opportunity for that to be challenged in the future.

US Chamber vs FTC Ruling

US Chamber Summary

If you have questions regarding Capitol Connection,

contact Josh Gray, Director of Government Affairs & Tourism at

805-370-0035 or jgray@conejochamber.org for more information.