February 17, 2021 – Lomita Chamber of Commerce hosted an informative Q&A session with Los Angeles County Assessor Jeffrey Prang. Understand what the Assessor’s Office does and get answers to key questions about Proposition 19.
Prop 19 will bring about changes to property transfers between family members, and increase benefits for people over the age of 55, the disabled and those affected by natural disasters. Learn more about Prop 19 and ask questions regarding property assessments.
“The California economy cannot fully recover until businesses are allowed to reopen… At the same time, California continues to suffer a significant exodus of employers to other states… California needs to address both crises immediately.”
On January 13, 2021, the Lomita Chamber of Commerce along with nearly 160 fellow California Chambers of Commerce and industry organizations rallied to appeal to Governor Gavin Newsom to take executive action to immediately and temporarily suspend for at least six months, specific laws and regulations, to reduce burdens on employers without affecting the health and safety of Californians.
On November 23, 2020, the Lomita Chamber of Commerce along with many of our local Chambers of Commerce in the South Bay Cities rallied to share appeals on behalf of the business community to the LA County Board of Supervisors (BOS) concerning shutting down outdoor dining once again due to COVID-19.
Despite these efforts, the BOS voted 3-2 to shut down outdoor dining and reduce capacity at their November 24th meeting.
Last week, the Chamber presented the Lomita State of the City event to over 100 guests virtually. As we’re now going through another wave of challenges for our community, businesses and economy due to COVID-19, we wanted to take a moment share some of the uplifting highlights from the event and thank everyone for their participation.
The event reminded us that “Lomita is a community that continues to move forward regardless of what’s in our way,” said Mayor Jim Gazeley. As we Lift Up Lomita and keep Lomita Strong, Captain Jim Powers of Lomita Sheriff’s Station shared his definition for the acronym TRUST to be “Truth, Respect, Understanding, Support, Teamwork” — another commonality that bonds us and brings the community together especially during these hard times.
As we heard from Mayor Pro Tem Mark Waronek, “Even with all of these new challenges that 2020 has thrown at us, Lomita still continues to shine as a strong, resilient and focused community, that cares for our neighbors, supports our businesses, and always looks to better days in the future.”
We thank Mayor James Gazeley, Mayor Pro Tem Mark Waronek, Captain James Powers, Unit Commander of Lomita Sheriff’s Station and Captain Chris Vazquez of LA County Fire Department, Lomita Station 6 for being a part of the event. We also thank all of our Councilmembers, Elected Officials, Sponsors and Guests for your support and participation.
And for one last quote to carry forward with us “It really is the hardest times that make Lomita shine the brightest.”
Congratulations & Welcome to the Community: Venus Body Sculpting!
Virtual Ribbon Cutting & Grand Opening: Venus Body Sculpting! Venus Body Sculpting – a noninvasive alternative to cosmetic surgery opening in Lomita on PCH.
Member Spotlight with Lomita Chamber Member of the Board of Directors and Health & Wellness Committee: James Leedom, Owner of Home Health Depot. In our live chat, we learned about Jim’s journey running his businesses for 20+ years and the services he provides. A chance to ask questions, network and connect personally.
Member Spotlight with Lomita Chamber Member & Chamber Ambassador: Dee Dee McGuire, Financial Services Professional representing New York Life Insurance/Investment. In our live chat, we learned about the importance of financial planning and got to know this Chamber member on a more personal basis.
Small Business Community Call #5 – PPP Extension, Funding Options, Get connected with local resources
During the Chamber’s 5th Small Business Community Call, our guests included Carla Villacorta, Business Relationship Manager at One West Bank in Lomita and Alicia Velasco, Community Development Director with the City of Lomita. Updates were provided on the City’s Small Business Forgivable Loan Program and outdoor business expansion permits. One West Bank offered an update on the PPP extension and support the bank is offering to help businesses with plexiglass installations to operate safely. We also heard from some of our local businesses and how they’re implementing safe practices.
Small Business Community Call #4 – City of Lomita discusses forgiveable loan program and expansion permits
The Chamber had its 4th Small Business Community Call in June via Zoom with our best turnout yet. The call featured the Economic Development team from the City of Lomita who discussed its Small Business Forgivable Loan Program, and Fee Waivers for Business Expansion Permits. The Chamber and City provided updates on their efforts to push to the State and County to safely reopen small businesses.
