Daily Business Report — Oct. 4, 2011
Measure Banning Labor Pacts Approved for the Ballot
The San Diego City Council voted to place a measure that would prohibit Project Labor Agreements on city-funded projects on the ballot next year. The council unanimously agreed that a special election for the Fair and Open Competition in Construction Ordinance be held at the same time as the next city primary election scheduled for June 2012, which may cost the city up to $619,000. “I support putting it on the ballot, though I think it’s unfortunate,” said Councilwoman Marti Emerald. “I think it’s a waste of taxpayers’ money at a time when we simply cannot afford to be spending half-a-million dollars on what I think, in my humble opinion, is a perversion of the initiative process.” The measure’s supporters gathered more than 90,000 signatures, far more than the 62,057 valid signatures required to qualify for the ballot, according to the city clerk.
The ordinance would require city-funded construction projects to be posted online and forbid the city from requiring a Project Labor Agreement, or pre-hire agreement with a labor organization that establishes terms and conditions for employment, on city-funded construction projects.
Supporters of the measure say both union and non-union laborers should be given equal consideration in city projects. “Project Labor Agreements cost taxpayers millions of dollars,” said Councilman Carl DeMaio. “They are unfair because they shut out a variety of firms, particularly small businesses, from bidding on projects.”
Opponents say the measure would affect state funding with the recent passage of Senate Bill 922, which prohibits state money from being used on projects in areas with bans on Project Labor Agreements. Similar bans against Project Labor Agreements have been passed in Chula Vista, Oceanside and for unincorporated areas of San Diego County.
(Source: San Diego News Room)
USS La Jolla to Arrive for a Visit
The USS La Jolla, the first warship named after a township, is scheduled to arrive in San Diego on Wednesday. Crew members are to participate in several community projects with La Jolla-area schools during the visit. The La Jolla is the 14th ship of the Los Angeles-class, fast-attack submarines. La Jolla was commissioned Oct. 24, 1981. In March 1982, La Jolla transited the Panama Canal, transferred from Atlantic Fleet to the Pacific Fleet and commenced operating under the Commander, Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet. Commanded by Cmdr. Jeff Bernard, La Jolla is currently homeported out of Pearl Harbor.
Port Breaks Ground for Downtown Ruocco Park
The Port of San Diego broke ground Monday for the port’s 18th public park, which is named after the late Lloyd and Ilse Ruocco, who provided funding to help build the bayfront park. Ruocco Park is to be completed in July 2012. Ruocco was a prominent architect and his wife, Ilse, was a prominent designer and art professor at San Diego State. More than 25 years ago, the couple wanted to present a gift to the community — a gift of a Downtown park that would be a quiet, contemplative place. They established the trust fund that is helping fund the 3.3-acre park located on the southwest corner of Harbor Drive and Pacific Highway. The San Diego Foundation administers the trust fund the Ruoccos established. On behalf of the trust, the foundation awarded the port $3.5 million toward the park. The port is contributing $3.8 million for the construction.
Law Firm Seminar Focuses on Employment Law
The San Diego office of Fisher & Phillips LLP will host a one-day seminar Oct. 20 — “Employment Law 101” — for local HR professionals and small business owners at the Marriott La Jolla, 4240 La Jolla Village Drive. The seminar will provide a practical guide through California’s rules, rights and regulations affecting employee relations. The program not only will offer an overview of California’s complex employment laws, but will provide guidance on how to promote a positive work environment and prevent costly penalties and lawsuits. Topics will include recruiting and hiring; wage and hour laws; preventing harassment and discrimination in the workplace; leaves of absence; the Family Rights Act; and discipline and termination without litigation. Registration is $250 per person, $225 per person for two or more from the same company, and includes a comprehensive reference guide, breakfast and lunch. For more information and to register, visit laborlawyers.com.
Small Business Workshops
SCORE San Diego continues its series of small business workshops. For more information, call (619) 557-7272 or visit score-sandiego.org.
• Oct. 5 Financial Statements: What They Mean, How to Use Them 9:30 a.m. to noon at SCORE Entrepreneur Center (550 West C St., #550, San Diego 92101; pre-paid registration $29, $39 at the door).
• Oct. 5 Internet Marketing for Nonprofits 9 to 11:30 a.m. at The San Diego Foundation in Point Loma (2508 Historic Decatur Rd., #200, San Diego 92106; pre-paid registration $39, $49 at the door).
• Oct. 6 Legal Issues for Small Businesses: Contracts and Leases 9 a.m. to noon at SCORE Entrepreneur Center (550 West C St., #550, San Diego 92101; pre-paid registration $49, $59 at the door).
• Oct. 8 Internet Marketing 201: Build Your Business through Search Engine Optimization 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at National University in Kearny Mesa (9388 Lightwave Avenue, San Diego 92123; pre-paid registration $69, $79 at the door).
• Oct. 8 Introduction to Starting Your Own Business 9 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. at National University in Kearny Mesa (9388 Lightwave Avenue, San Diego 92123; pre-paid registration $69, $79 at the door).
• Oct. 12 Internet Marketing 303: Social Media for Small Businesses 9 a.m. to noon at National University in Carlsbad (705 Palomar Airport Road, Carlsbad 92011; pre-paid registration $49, $59 at the door).
The Daily Business Report is produced by REP Publishing Inc., publisher of SD METRO, the North Park News and the West Coast Craftsman. Contact: Manny Cruz (619) 287-1865.
