10TH ANNUAL L.A. CASH FOR COLLEGE SUPER SATURDAY
On Saturday, Jan. 28, the Chamber will host its annual Cash for College "Super Saturday" as part of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) workshop season. Thanks to the generous support of sponsors like Bank of America and Deloitte LLP, thousands of students and their families will have an opportunity to complete the required financial aid and Cal Grant GPA Verification Forms necessary to receive financial aid assistance at 38 workshop sites throughout the L.A. region. Now in its 10th year, Cash for College has helped more than 56,000 students complete the FAFSA and Cal Grant GPA Verification Form, and has awarded more than $2.6 million in college scholarships to more than 1,700 Los Angeles high school students. Contact Alma Salazar, 213.580.7566.

More than 1,500 to attend Chamber's Inaugural Dinner tonight
Tonight we will celebrate the installation of 2012 Chair of the Board Karen Hathaway, LAACO Ltd./Los Angeles Athletic Club, at the Chamber's 123rd Annual Inaugural Dinner at the JW Marriott at L.A. LIVE. Gov. Jerry Brown and Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa are among the more than 50 electeds who will be in attendance. The Chamber will present its three highest awards during the event: the Civic Medal of Honor to Harold M. Williams; the Distinguished Business Leader award to Dr. Benjamin Chu, president of Kaiser Permanente; and the Corporate Leadership award to Wells Fargo. Visit lachamber.com for post-event coverage.

Chamber supports legislative efforts to address children's oral health
Chamber-supported SB 694 (Padilla), which intends to help address one of California's chronic issues impacting children, passed the Senate floor today. Tooth decay ranks as the most common chronic disease and unmet health care need amongst children. Too many children lack access to routine dental care, dramatically affecting school attendance, time off work and quality of life. SB 694 will authorize a study to test new models to increase access to basic dental care for California's children — especially it's most vulnerable. The bill is now headed to the Assembly. Contact Sonia Campos-Rivera, 213.580.7538.

California Connections focuses on Southern California this week
This week over the course of three days, California Connections is taking an in-depth look at issues surrounding education, the economy and the entertainment industry in Los Angeles, Orange County and the Inland Empire. On Wednesday, Fellows participated in a round table discussion on diversity, immigrant integration and how civic leaders can come together to face all of the challenges. "Los Angeles is a laboratory of bringing people from all over the world," said Antonia Hernandez, president, California Community Foundation (pictured above). "To be an American is to believe in democracy and an open society. It is a state of mind that encompasses everyone." Contact Hadia Kabir 213.580.7524.

Southwest Airlines and AirTran Airways to maintain operations at 22 airports Southwest Airlines and its wholly owned subsidiary AirTran Airways recently announced the intent to convert AirTran Airways operations at 22 domestic and international airports to Southwest operations over time. "We are committed to continuing to serve these communities — at first via AirTran, and eventually as Southwest. We know there are Southwest customers who want access to these cities, but have never before had the opportunity, and the markets have long desired Southwest service," said Southwest Airlines Executive Vice President & Chief Commercial Officer and AirTran Airways President Bob Jordan. Read more. Click hereto submit your member good news.