RLA Update: Tranqillon Ridge Project Got Close in Budget Deal
By Brendan Huffman

One of the more interesting aspects of the state budget negotiations last month involved the Tranquillon Ridge oil project.

After the CA State Lands Commission rejected a proposal to allow for slant drilling of an existing oilrig off of Santa Barbara County in exchange for open space, lawmakers friendly to this project got to work. It became a budget priority for Republicans who saw the project as a revenue generator and job creator.

The deal was that the oil-drilling project could begin in exchange for $1.8 billion in royalties to the state to be paid over the life of the lease including a $100 million advance.

While Republican lawmakers argued that these revenues could save programs and keep more state parks open, Democrats warned of environmental risks and reminded folks about the infamous 1969 spill.

Ultimately, the Senate’s of the budget included this provision to allow for the slant drilling; the Assembly’s version did not.

Nonetheless, this issue is not over and the governor’s spokespeople say that he still supports it.

A recent survey by the Public Policy Institute of California released on July 29 showed that 55 percent of likely voters support more drilling off the coast, while 41 percent of likely voters oppose it.

It is unlikely that the legislature would approve a bill to allow for slant drilling in California to occur, but if such a measure went to the ballot the PPIC poll indicates more support than not. And if such a measure was coupled with an oil extraction tax, its support might grow.

Brendan is the Executive Director of the Regional Legislative Alliance. He can be reached brendan@huffmanpa.com.

CalChamber Reports on Status of Major Business Bills

Numerous business priorities remain to be considered when legislators reconvene after their summer recess, according to the California Chamber of Commerce summary of the status of top priority bills for the business community.

Click here for the job killer bill status update.

Visit China with the Chamber in March 2010

Member News

Welcome New Chamber Members
We are pleased to welcome the following Chamber members.
Please get to know them and the services they provide.

Goleta West Sanitary District 968-2617
Holdren’s Steakhouse in Camino Real Marketplace 965-3363
Kmart 968-4462
Lindsey Eltinge Photography 698-0898
Pastavino in Camino Real Marketplace 965-3363
Santa Barbara Pack and Post 3463 State Street 682-7940
TechEase Computer Solutions 511 E. Gutierrez, Suite 1 564-3273

Your Passport to New Discoveries is At Valle Verde Assisted Living Open House
Grab your passport and take a journey through the OPEN HOUSE at Quail Lodge Assisted Living on the campus of Valle Verde Retirement Community, Friday, August 14th from 2:30 to 4:30 pm! Join Valle Verde for an afternoon of adventure with foods from around the world, award winning entertainment and raffle prizes that will truly take you away. Get a chance to meet some residents and staff and show off some of your networking skills and learn more about the services Valle Verde provides to local seniors. Look for event signs and complimentary valet parking at 900 Calle de los Amigos. RSVP today by calling or simply stop by on the 14th.

Latitude 34 Has Moved! 
Latitude 34 Technologies has moved to a bigger and better office in the heart of downtown Goleta.  Their mailing address is the same.   If you want to drop off your computer for repair, talk to an engineer or just say "hi", then visit 5880 Hollister Avenue, Suite B, next to The Natural Café on Hollister Ave.

Habitat is Having a Birthday!
Celebrate the one-year anniversary of the Habitat for Humanity ReStore on Saturday, August 22nd from 9am – 5pm.  Festivities will include DIY workshops throughout the day, a BBQ, silent auction, drawings for ReStore gift certificates, and special discounts on items in the store.

Sponsored by: Montecito Bank & Trust, AMS Entertainment, Community Environmental Council, Maverick Windows, Flowers & Associates, Santa Barbara Contractors Association & Built Green

Chamber Member Wayne Hewitt Elected to Sansum Diabetes Research Institute Board of Trustees Chamber Member Wayne Hewitt has been elected to the Board of Trustees of Sansum Diabetes Research Institute and appointed to serve on the Development, Finance, and Taste of the Vine Committees.  Hewitt is a financial advisor for Edward Jones of Santa Barbara. Previously, he was Global Design and Strategy Manager at the Robert Bosch Corporation. For additional information on Sansum Diabetes Research Institute, call (805) 682-7638 x243.     

Ortiz Joins Peoples’ Self-Help Housing as Information Technology Manager
Javier Ortiz has joined Peoples’ Self-Help Housing as Information Technology Manager.  He will maintain internal and external network systems administration at Peoples’ corporate offices in San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara and 38 properties on the central coast. He is a certified Microsoft systems engineer.

Peoples’ Self-Help Housing is a charitable non-profit organization. Since 1970 its mission is to provide affordable housing and programs leading to self-sufficiency for low-income families, seniors, and other special needs groups on California’s Central Coast. For more information or to make a donation contact (805) 962-5152 or 781-3088 or visit www.pshhc.org

Steve Hayes & Francois DeJohn Complete Largest Lease of 2009

Partners Steve Hayes and Francois DeJohn of Hayes Commercial Group represented the lessor, Park One LLC, in the leasing of 39,875 sf at 6550 Hollister Ave in Goleta.  This is the largest lease on the South Coast in 2009.