MORE THAN 12,000 STUDENTS ATTEND THE NINTH ANNUAL CASH FOR COLLEGE CONVENTION. Over the last two days, more than 12,000 students have flooded the L.A. Convention Center to take part in the annual Cash for College: College and Career Convention, sponsored by Chamber members Bank of America, Ralphs Grocery Company and the Los Angeles Kings. Aimed at helping students pursue their college dreams, Cash for College features financial aid presentations, college life workshops, career exhibits and opportunities to meet college recruiters. In addition, 30 scholoarships of $1,000 each will be awarded to students who participated in this year's Convention. John Deasy of Los Angeles Unified School District, Board of Education President Monica Garcia, Board of Education Member Steve Zimmer, Josefa Salinas of HOT 92.3, Gabriella Tessier of Univision, and John Cobara with the California Community Foundation were all on-hand for the scholarship presentation (shown above). Read more or contact David Rattray, 213.580.7515.

Voters to decide on up to 11 ballot measures in March election; Mayor vetoes DWP measure
The L.A. City Council is in the final stages of approving up to 11 ballot measures for the March 8, 2011 City election. Likely measures include DWP governance changes, new taxes on oil production and medical marijuana sales, fire and police pension reforms and adjustments to how the City funds its library system. This week, Mayor Villaraigosa vetoed a potential measure that would give the City Council authority to fire the DWP's general manager and remove DWP commissioners. The City Council could override the veto as early as tomorrow. Contact Jessica Duboff, 213.580.7558.

City Council approves Chamber-supported Fresh & Easy store in south L.A.
On Wednesday, the L.A. City Council approved the opening of a Fresh & Easy Neighborhood Market at 54th and Crenshaw Boulevard in South L.A. The Chamber joined dozens of community activists in support of the project, which will bring well paying jobs and healthy food options to the neighborhood. The City Council voted almost unanimously in support of the project, with the exception of Councilmember Richard Alarcon, who has been a longtime opponent of Fresh & Easy. Contact Samuel Garrison, 213.580.7568.

Partnerships between businesses and schools recognized by the Chamber and LAUSD
On Monday, three local school/business partnerships were recognized for their outstanding efforts to strengthen education and develop the future workforce. The groups were recognized by Pillar, a partnership between the Chamber and the Los Angeles Unified School District, as part of the Pillar Partnership Spotlight program. The STAPLES Center Foundation and Tenth Street Elementary School (pictured left) were applauded for their 10-year partnership to offer a reading program that helps students develop literacy skills. LEMA High School, along with its partners, the Constitutional Rights Foundation and Tucker Ellis & West, was recognized for a partnership that has incorporated law-related themes into the curriculum. In addition, West Adams Preparatory High School and Amgen were acknowledged for their partnership, which introduced West Adams to a rich set of science-related resources and is focused on teacher and student development. In addition to receiving an award, each team had the opportunity to meet with Los Angeles Unified School District Superintendent Ramon Cortines and share the details of their successful partnership. Contact David Rattray, 213.580.7515.

Los Angeles City College and Goldman Sachs partner to help businesses grow Los Angeles City College and Goldman Sachs & Co. recently announced the second round of the 10,000 Small Businesses program. 10,000 Small Businesses is a $500 million, five-year initiative to unlock the economic growth and job-creation potential of 10,000 small businesses across the United States through greater access to business education, financial capital and business support services. Los Angeles City College has partnered with the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses initiative to help small businesses in the greater Los Angeles metropolitan region to grow and create jobs. Through the support of the Goldman Sachs Foundation, business owners selected to participate in the LACC 10,000 Small Businesses education program will receive a full scholarship covering tuition and program materials. Los Angeles City College has opened enrollment for the February 2011 10,000 Small Businesses Business and Management Education program. Read more.   Want your good news featured here? Click here to learn more.