CHAMBER WRAPS UP THE CALIFORNIA CANDIDATES SERIES WITH REPUBLICAN NOMINEE FOR LT. GOV ABEL MALDONADO. Republican Party nominee for California Lt. Gov. Abel Maldonado shared his vision with Chamber members during the California Candidates Series on Friday. Maldonado presented his plan for making California more business friendly, and emphasized his desire to work with the next governor, regardless of who wins. "I said I would be a promoter of business … I will not be spending my time beating up on the current governor. A successful governor is a successful California." Above, Maldonado joins Chamber Board member R.K. (Rod) Spackman of Chevron Corporation, a sponsor of the California Candidates Series. Contact Samuel Garrison, 213.580.7568.

Take action to prevent the diversion of $1 billion in Southern California transportation funding
This week, the Chamber voiced strong opposition to proposed language in the State budget deal that will take $1 billion allocated for Southern California transportation projects and use it to help pay for a project in the Bay Area. This reallocation of State Highway Account funding means that L.A.'s taxpayers will be paying for up to 60 percent of San Francisco's Doyle Drive project rather than funding already approved congestion relief efforts here at home. While we applaud ending the more than three month budget standoff, it should not include siphoning local funding to pay for unrelated projects around the state. Please take a moment to contact your legislator and urge them to keep this vital funding here in Southern California. For more information, contact Jessica Duboff, 213.580.7558.

Chamber ensures more time to craft an effective Clean Air Action Plan update
On Wednesday, the Chamber testified in favor of the Port of Los Angeles providing more time for input into the updated Clean Air Action Plan (CAAP). CAAP has made great strides in reducing air pollution from port-related cargo movement since 2006 because of the strong collaboration with the goods movement industry and local businesses. However, the 2010 update only allowed for two weeks of input and comment. The commission granted a 30-day extension to help ensure that the final update accomplishes the dual goals of cleaning our environment and strengthening the goods movement sector in Southern California. Contact Jessica Duboff, 213.580.7558.

SCLN presents seminar on managing productivity during stressful times
Leaders face incredible challenges that impact their effectiveness and well-being. Chronically stressful situations undermine resilience and flexibility, reduce clarity and compromise sound decision-making. The Take Charge! seminar will give you powerful tools to reverse these dynamics and better manage the inner challenges of being a responsible leader. The half-day seminar will be held on Monday, Nov. 15, 1 - 5 p.m., at the L.A. Area Chamber. The Southern California Leadership Network alumni rate is $295, non-alumni rate is $320. This course will be facilitated by Peter F. Drucker School of Management Professor of the Year Jeremy Hunter, who holds degrees from Harvard University and the University of Chicago. Register now or contact April Tam, 213.580.7524.

Kenneth H. Fearn elected chairman of the Community Redevelopment Agency Kenneth H. Fearn, managing partner of Integrated Capital, LLC and a member of the Chamber's Board of Directors, was elected chairman of the Board of Commissioners of the Community Redevelopment Agency of the City of Los Angeles (CRA/LA). The CRA provides project financing for commercial and redevelopment projects in Los Angeles.  Dwayne Gathers confirmed for the Community Redevelopment Agency Chamber member and graduate of Leadership Southern California (2007) Dwayne Gathers, Gathers Strategies Inc., has been confirmed as the newest member of the Board of Commissioners for the Community Redevelopment Agency of the City of Los Angeles (CRA/LA). Contact Samuel Garrison, 213.580.7568. Read more. Want your good news featured here? Click here to learn more.