Earlier this week, I had the privilege of attending the June meeting of the Southwest California Legislative Council (SWCLC)—a partnership between four chambers of commerce, including the Temecula Valley Chamber. This council serves as a united voice for businesses throughout our region, tracking proposed legislation, working with elected officials, and weighing in on critical policies that affect how we live, work, and do business in Southwest Riverside County.

Our goal is simple but essential: to ensure that the voice of business is heard at every level of government.

I would like to take a moment to recognize the five dedicated individuals who represent the Temecula Chamber on the SWCLC. These members contribute their time, expertise, and leadership to advance our shared advocacy efforts:

• Adam Eventov, SoCal Gas
• Dennis Frank, D.R. Frank & Associates
• Chris Sizemore, A-Bell Alarms Company
• Jim Toth, Chick-fil-A Temecula
• Darlene Wetton, Southwest Healthcare

Their thoughtful input and consistent engagement help ensure that the concerns of Temecula’s business community are well represented.

Strong Results from Sacramento Lobby Day

This month’s meeting began with a recap of our recent Lobby Day in Sacramento, where we met with state legislators, including Senator Kelly Seyarto and Assemblywoman Kate Sanchez. We discussed key regional priorities such as water security, job creation, and regulatory reform. I am pleased to share that both Senator Seyarto and Assemblywoman Sanchez have signed on in support of the Delta Conveyance Project, a major water infrastructure project that will help secure long-term water reliability for Southern California.

Because of our coordinated efforts, two pieces of legislation that would have hurt businesses in our region were defeated. This outcome is a testament to the power of collaboration and persistence—and a clear reminder that advocacy works.

Understanding the State Budget: What It Means for You

The state is currently facing a $12 billion budget deficit. To balance the books, the Governor is proposing to pull from the state's savings account (also known as the rainy-day fund), use borrowing, and make cuts to several programs. While K–12 education funding will remain stable, other areas like higher education and healthcare services—including In-Home Supportive Services—are expected to see reductions.

What does this mean for business owners? Budget shortfalls can lead to reduced public services, delayed infrastructure projects, and increased pressure for new taxes or fees down the line. It also means that policymakers are making tough decisions, and business perspectives are more important than ever during this process.

Key Legislation That Could Impact Local Businesses

Several bills were reviewed and discussed this month. Here are a few highlights that you should be aware of:

• AB 84 – Aimed at increasing school oversight but may unintentionally harm charter schools and workforce readiness. The Council voted to oppose.
• AB 1353 – Would require internet providers to offer low-income households service at a fixed low price. While well-intentioned, the concern is that these costs would be passed on to other consumers. The Council opposed this bill.
• AB 380 – Seeks to expand price gouging laws to include commercial rent during emergencies. While protecting small businesses is important, the bill’s open-ended nature could create more harm than good. The Council opposed this bill after extensive debate.
• SB 263 – Proposes a study on how tariffs are affecting California’s logistics sector. With our region so heavily reliant on goods movement, this issue is worth watching. The Council voted to maintain a “watch” position.
• CEQA Reform Bills – A large package of proposed reforms to make housing development faster and less litigious. While no position was taken yet, the Council is closely monitoring these efforts.
• AQMD Appliance Rule Rejection – A proposed regulation to phase out gas-powered appliances (like water heaters and stoves) in Southern California was rejected, thanks in part to advocacy by this Council and others. This would have imposed significant costs on homeowners and small businesses.

Federal Updates: Tariffs, Trade, and Taxes

At the federal level, we are watching ongoing legal battles over tariffs that have disrupted supply chains and made it harder for local businesses to plan ahead. Nearly 40% of goods from China are no longer coming through Southern California ports. That slowdown impacts our local logistics, retail, and service industries.

There is also pending tax legislation that could provide relief to small businesses, including a proposal to make certain deductions permanent and expand incentives. However, negotiations in Congress are ongoing, and the outcome remains uncertain.

Why the Delta Conveyance Project Matters

Water reliability remains one of the most important long-term issues facing our region. The Delta Conveyance Project is a proposed underground tunnel that would help deliver water from Northern California to Southern California more safely and efficiently. Without it, we risk relying on outdated infrastructure that is vulnerable to earthquakes, saltwater intrusion, and ecological restrictions.

Our water agencies—like the Metropolitan Water District, Eastern, and Western—are fully invested in this project, and so is the Temecula Chamber. More than 100 organizations across the state have signed on in support. If your business depends on a stable water supply (and most do), this project is vital to our future.

Looking Ahead and Opportunities to Engage

The Council will continue to monitor developments in Sacramento and keep a close watch on emerging legislation. In the meantime, we encourage business owners to stay connected, attend local events, and share their voices with elected officials.

• Learn more about the Delta Conveyance Project
• Look up more information about specific bills
• Register to attend the Legislative Summit on October 7, 2025
• Attend the next SWCLC meeting

The Temecula Valley Chamber of Commerce is committed to advocating for a strong, sustainable business environment, and we are proud to do this work on your behalf.

Written by Brooke Nunn, President/CEO, Temecula Valley Chamber of Commerce