Fast Facts News
a bi-monthly overview of government issues & offerings for members of the
 Carpinteria Valley Chamber of Commerce (CVCC)
by Pat Kistler, Government Relations Director

January 26, 2010

*Honoring the ‘Best of Carpinteria:’ Two-gift-baskets, worth more than $1,500 each, featuring the “Best of Carpinteria,” will be raffled off at the Annual Awards Banquet on Sat., Jan. 30. You do not need to be present to win. Call 684-5479x10 for raffle ticket or banquet seating information or email Maxine@carpinteriachamber.org.

*Redistricting California:  Local registered voters are invited to apply to serve on a statewide ‘Citizens Redistricting Commission,’ which will help draw new state Senate, Assembly and Board of Equalization district lines.  To date, more than 5,000 have applied online.  The application process will remain open until Feb. 12, 2010.  For more information, regarding the commission’s task and criteria, the selection process and filling out an application, log onto www.WeDrawTheLines.ca.gov or call (866) 356-5217.

*A Sweetheart of a Deal:  Have you booked your CVCC trip to Greece, Croatia, Venice and Italy’s Tuscany region?  It’s a super ‘Valentine’s Day’ gift for you and that special someone.  The tour includes airfare, transfers, meals, cruising on the Norwegian Gem & variety of motor coach excursions, featured from Apr. 30 to May 10, 2010.   Log onto www.carpinteriachamber.org for details or call Maxine @ 684-5479x10.

*US Trade Conference Call, Jan. 27: CVCC members are invited to join the US Chamber of Commerce on a very rare conference call with the US Trade Representative (Wendy Cutler) to discuss the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Agreement, on Wed., Jan. 27, from 12:30 to 1:30 pm on the West Coast (3:30-4:30 pm EST).  To get a reservation please log onto federation@uschamber.com.  Or you may call (1-888) 732-5229.

*Green Shorts Video Contest:  The Community Environmental Council (CEC) is sponsoring a video contest called ”Bringing It Home.”  This is an opportunity for businesses and videographers to share ways in which they can protect the environment and reduce their carbon footprint.  The submission deadline is Mar. 26.  You may go to www.cecsb.org, to download information regarding the contest prize structure and to obtain an application.

*Win $50,000 to Grow Your Business:  The US Chamber of Commerce is currently holding an open contest to highlight “American Free Enterprise, Dream Big.” If you have successfully launched a new business or created a new product, you may win the grand prize.  Businesses are invited to visit the website at www.freeenterprise.com/video, to check out what is needed to apply, before the deadline on Friday, Apr. 9.

*Strengthening Our Schools:  On Jan. 19 a new combined legislative bill was signed into law that will make our school systems stronger, according the leadership at the CalChamber.  The state’s education system also supported the bill, which includes a ‘parent-trigger’ and an ‘open-enrollment’ provision, making school reform a more democratic process by providing better opportunities for the state’s most under-served student populations.  To look at the entire ‘state reform’ log onto www.calchamber.com, then click onto ‘headlines.’ Or ‘new laws.’

*Your DMV in Full Swing:  The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) continues to make innovative strides to reach teens through its popular MySpace page and YouTube channel, and most recently its new Facebook fan page and Twitter.  New teen drivers are encouraged to ask questions, and have fun while learning about the rules and laws pertaining to driving and driver safety.  Teens and their parents can access the DMVs convenient online services, seven days per week, FREE by going to www.dmv.ca.gov, or www.myspace.com/californiadmv.

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