11/7/2023 - 10:00 AM

MISSION: We seek to provide timely, informative updates on regional topics relevant to our members.

Recap:

1. City of Monterey. Monterey City Council will continue allowing the public to make comments through Zoom. To curtail the ability of people to call repeatedly to make hateful remarks, the city is establishing new guidelines for callers. Monterey City Council will vote tonight (November 7, 2023) on the following items: 1) A second reading of the rental registry proposal. A vote to approve it will enact the proposal as an ordinance (Item 8 - afternoon session). 2) Direction to staff on whether Garden Road should be rezoned to prohibit “car condos” from being located in this area, which is now targeted for density housing development (Item 21 - afternoon session) 3) An ordinance allowing cannabis dispensaries in four zones of the city and the sale of cannabis at two events. This would allow cannabis sales for an event at the Monterey County Fairgrounds (Item 23 - evening session) 4) A moratorium (freeze) on Mills Act contracts, arrangements under which a property owner can get a tax break for restoration and maintenance of a structure designated as historic (Item 24 - evening session). To get more information on these items see the November 7, 2023 Monterey City Council Meeting Agenda.
2. Healthcare. November is National Diabetes Month. But this isn't time to celebrate, it's time to rally against the diabetes epidemic. Montage Foundation funds several Monterey County Diabetes Education & Care Programs. In recognition of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Month, Montage will host author Katy Butler on November15 to discuss her book, The Art of Dying Well. This is a free event, register here. Masking requirements have been reinstalled at CHOMP through at least January 31, 2024. Staff, patients, and visitors will be required to mask in patient care areas at Community Hospital, regardless of vaccination status (fllu and COVID vaccinations encouraged). Beloved Dr. David Straface is retiring, and will be recognized at a future date.
3. Hospitality & Tourism. See Monterey (formerly MCCVB): Monterey County October Report — 1st week higher occupancies and average daily rate; following weeks lower occupancies but ADR steady. Monterey Bay Half Marathon race week is November 10 - 12.  See Monterey is working with Smart Meetings. MCCVB has established the Wayfinding Destination Education Series, See Monterey’s new training and education program, designed to connect and support the local hospitality industry. Learn more at www.seemonterey.com/wayfinding/. Rob O’Keefe (SeeMonterey) and  Mike LaPier (Monterey Airport) in association with Visit Carmel to go to Dallas to meet with prospective airline re: establishing a potential flight to/from Chicago.
4. Real Estate. Real estate professionals are considering the potential impact of an October 31, 2023, jury decision in a class action lawsuit at the US District Court for the Western District of Missouri (Kansas City, Jefferson City, Springfield). In Burnett v. National Association of Realtors, the jury determined that the National Association of Realtors and some residential brokerage firms violated the Sherman Antitrust Act by conspiring to inflate commissions for home sales. It assessed $1.78 billion in damages on behalf of parties who paid a commission to the buyer’s broker in connection with the sale of a home. The law firm that won the case immediately filed lawsuits against other brokerage firms.
5. MPCC. Did you miss Bryan Lee’s recent Food for Thought session on the topic of “California Data Privacy Basics: What Every Business Needs to Know”? Here's a recap:

• Bryan is a partner at Privatus Consulting, a data privacy advisory.California’s Consumer Privacy Protection Act (CCPA) entered into full force this year with a number of new requirements for businesses.  The presentation covered the requirements and exemptions under that law, and also addressed additional privacy-related regulations that all California businesses must comply with.  
• California has established a new Privacy Protection Agency to aid with enforcement, and the first CCPA non-compliance fines have already been handed out.
• CCPA in general does not apply to businesses regulated under health or financial privacy laws (HIPAA, GLBA), or nonprofits.
• Companies under CCPA are now required to ensure their vendors are also compliant.
• ALL organizations collecting personal information through a website must comply with the California Online Privacy Protection Act (CalOPPA)
• Must have a privacy policy and follow it
• Must link to the policy on your website
• ALL businesses that gather or license personal information are subject to California’s Data Breach Notification law
• Must have a procedure to notify affected parties (possibly also the California AG) in the event of a data breach 
• The presentation also covered steps your business can take now to improve compliance as well as a list of helpful free resources.  For a copy of the presentation slides or for more information, please contact Bryan directly at bryan@privatus.online.

Next teleconference will be held Tuesday 11/28/2023 at 10:00 AM.

If you are interested in participating on the teleconference or being added to the list, please contact monica@montereychamber.com. 

montereychamber.com

RIBBON CUTTING: Art Abilities

Thursday, November 16 | 4:30 PM - 6:00 PM

220 Country Club Gate, Suite 10, Pacific Grove

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HOLIDAY MIXER: Monterey Beach Station

Thursday, December 7 | 4:30 PM - 6:00 PM

258 Figueroa Street, Monterey

$10 Members | $20 Prospective Members

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It's Race Weekend! Monterey Bay Half Marathon Continues to Empower and Impact the Community

Celebrating its 20th year, the Monterey Bay Half Marathon has become synonymous with community empowerment, economic growth, and charitable contributions. Hosted by the Big Sur Marathon Foundation, this year’s event brings the entire community together to achieve personal milestones and support local causes. 

One of the most striking impacts of the Monterey Bay Half Marathon is its ability to drive tourism and stimulate the local economy. As runners and their families converge upon the stunning shores of Monterey Bay, local businesses experience a surge in activity. Race weekend becomes an opportunity to showcase the region’s natural beauty and warm hospitality to visitors from all corners of the world. 

“Each November, our community comes together for this great event. Not only does it inspire individuals to achieve their personal best, but it also creates a ripple effect of economic growth, community engagement, and charitable giving,” says Big Sur Marathon Foundation’s Executive Director, Josh Priester. “The foundation is proud to be part of this incredible journey.”

Honor our heroes at these Monterey County Veterans Day events this weekend:

• Annual Veterans Day Parade, 1:00 PM. Join this special day in recognition of the service and sacrifice of the men and women who have served our country in uniform. Opening Ceremonies begin at 1:00 PM. The parade starts at 2:00 PM. This years parade will be in dedicated to fallen Officer Jorge Alvarado. Downtown/Old Town Salinas
• California Central Coast Veterans Cemetery Veterans Day Ceremony, 10:30 AM. A ceremony honoring all military service veterans will be held at the California Central Coast Veterans Cemetery. Refreshments will be served. Following the ceremony, VFW Post 8679 in Seaside will provide lunch at no charge to veterans. 2900 Parker Flats Cut Off Road, Seaside
• Monterey Bay Aquarium Free Admission, Nov. 9 - 11. Free admission for veterans throughout the weekend. 886 Cannery Row, Monterey
• Carmel Veterans Day Ceremony, 11:00 AM. Military officials and city dignitaries gather to honor veterans of the nation’s wars with a ceremony and speeches. Afterward, the American Legion Post in Carmel hosts an open house, to which veterans, friends, and family are welcome. Devendorf Park Ocean Avenue, Carmel
• Pacific Grove Veterans Day Ceremony, 11:00 AM. Honor those who served in our US Armed Forces this Veterans Day at Point Pinos Lighthouse starting at 11:00am. The City of Pacific Grove will host a special ceremony. This event is rain or shine. 80 Asilomar Avenue, Pacific Grove

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