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L.A. CITY COUNCIL APPROVES PENSION REFORM INITIATIVE TO CREATE NEW PENSION TIER
On Tuesday, the Los Angeles City Council unanimously passed a pension reform initiative that will create a new civilian pension tier with more limited guaranteed benefits. This reform, which only applies to new civilian hires and impacts only one of the City's three pension systems, is projected to save the City $4.3 billion over the next 30 years. Testifying in support of the proposal, the Chamber made clear this is an important step, but not the final step, as we still need reform to lessen pension obligations in the short and mid-term. Contact Ruben Gonzalez, 213.580.7568.
Council approves Chamber supported LADWP rates
 On Tuesday, the Chamber testified at City Council in support of the Los Angeles Department of Water & Power's (DWP) proposal to increase rates approximately 11 percent over two years. After a presentation from Dr. Fred Pickel, the DWP Rate Payer Advocate, the Chamber Board agreed that the increases were necessary to allow the DWP to comply with federal and state mandates, replace our aging infrastructure, ensure reliability and help L.A. meet efficiency and renewable objectives. The Council approved the ordinance 10-4. If passed next week on a second reading, rates could take effect in November. Contact Jessica Duboff, 213.580.7558.
Governor signs Chamber-advocated SB 1456
 This week Gov. Jerry Brown signed Senate Bill 1456, which will improve students' prospects for success by providing critical support services on the front end of their educational experiences. The Chamber advocated strongly on behalf of SB 1456 and its predecessor, SB 1143, which the Chamber sponsored. SB 1456 will implement those recommendations made in SB 1143, which will drive a more productive California Community Colleges system and ensure greater student success. "More than 70 percent of all undergraduate college students in California are in the community college system, yet only about 25 percent of students seeking degrees, certificates or transfers complete their work," said L.A. Area Chamber President & CEO Gary Toebben. "From a business perspective, that's a grave concern. We need to make sure students are succeeding so that our state reaps a return on its investments." Contact Alma Salazar, 213.580.5566.
Get connected and help rebuild the State's prosperity through California Connections
 The Southern California Leadership Network is currently recruiting for the next group of dynamic leaders for California Connections 2013! Now, more than ever, statewide leaders need to be connected to the issues and people who will help rebuild the State's prosperity. SCLN is looking for senior-level executives who are eager to build relationships and better understand the regions that keep California competitive. If your organization could benefit from having leaders with broader statewide perspective or if you know of candidates from your network that could personally and professionally benefit from the California Connections experience, please share this information with April Tam at 213.580.7526. The early application deadline has passed, but applications are still being accepted as space permits. Apply today!
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On Saturday, Nov. 17, the United Way of Greater Los Angeles will host its HomeWalk 5k run/walk to end homelessness at Exposition Park. 
Bark Avenue, a pet care facility offering day care, boarding, grooming, training and pet sitting, will celebrate the grand opening of its new Bark Avenue's Pet Project store at 2 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 5, at 548 S. Spring Street . 
