Annual Report for 2015

2015 INLAND ACTION ANNUAL REPORT
Issued January 2016


GENERAL BUSINESS

Leadership

Mark Kaenel completes his second year as Chairman of Inland Action in January 2016. Mark Kaenel will continue to serve as Chairman throughout 2016, when a new Chairman will be elected by the membership.  During 2016, Carole Beswick continued as the Chief Executive Officer and Sue Harrison continued as the Administrative Assistant, both having completed nine years with Inland Action. Deborah Barmack continued as President of Inland Action during 2015, having now completed three and a half years with the organization.  The organization is well served by staffing levels established in 2012 of the two quarter- time positions of Chief Executive Officer and President and the one half-time position of Administrative Assistant.

 

The following served as Inland Action 2015 Executive Committee:

 

 Inland Action 2015 Executive Committee
Officers Members
Chair Mark Kaenel Transportation Committee Co-Chairs John Mirau & John Prentice
1st Vice Chairman Richard Hart Health Care Co-Chairs Jill Eaton & Temetry Lindsey
2nd Vice Chairman Lou Monville Environment Co-Chairs Ken Coate & Kristine Scott
Secretary Ray Wolfe Education Chair Susan McKee
Treasurer Scott Hofferber San Bernardino International Airport Chair John Mirau
Past Chairman Phil Waller Economic Development Co-Chairs Lowell King &

Louis Goodwin

President Deborah Barmack Legislative Chair Carlos Valdez
CEO Carole Beswick History Chair Bill Lemann
Members at Large Tom Brickley, Fran Inman, Paul Shimoff

 

Individuals on the Inland Action Executive Committee dedicated many hours of service to the organization and community. Their leadership moved the organization forward as they represented the organization before the community in a manner that solidified Inland Action as an effective organization and leader in advocating for improvements throughout the region.

 

Weekly Meetings

 

Inland Action has established a standard meeting schedule which may vary, based upon the needs of the organization. The first meeting of the month is designated as a Members Only Board meeting, with no speaker scheduled.  On the fifth Tuesdays of a month, which generally occurs quarterly, members of the Executive Committee meet rather than the full Board membership.  Inland Action is dark in the month of August. Consistent with that indicated above, Open Board meetings are scheduled every Tuesday from 7:00 a.m. to 8:30 a.m., and guests are permitted. A listing of all weekly Inland Action meetings and speakers held in 2015 is attached as an addendum to this report.

 

Summary of Inland Action Activities in 2015

 

Special Events 

On January 15, 2015, Inland Action held a special reception acknowledging Bruce Varner as Chair, University of California Board of Regents, and Lou Monville, Chair, California State University Board of Trustees, as two exceptional Inland Empire leaders in higher education appointed by the California governor. Having two prominent Inland Empire representatives chairing these distinguished educational bodies at the same time was truly an honor for this region and a tribute to their leadership capabilities.  The reception also served to recognize all the men and women of the Inland Empire who have been appointed to serve on State Boards and Commissions, enabling them to help shape policies and programs implemented throughout the State.  Appointees from the Inland area were invited to participate in the reception and interact with the Inland Action members and community representatives.

 

On December 9, 2016, Inland Action cosponsored a reception, along with SANBAG, Riverside County Transportation Commission, The Monday Morning Group and Mobility 21, for the California Transportation Commissioners, business community and transportation professionals when the Commission met in the Inland Empire.

 

Advocacy 

On January 21, 2015, Inland Action members attended a public meeting in Fontana where Mona Pasquil, the Governor’s Appointments Secretary, discussed how Inland Empire residents could become candidates for gubernatorial appointments to State Boards and Commissions.

 

On March 3, Inland Action Chief Executive Officer testified before the San Bernardino Associated Governments (SANBAG) Board of Directors urging approval of the Rail to Redlands project with the locally approved alternative. The SANBAG Board unanimously approved the project.

 

On March 15-18, 2015, a contingent of twenty-seven Inland Action members joined in the advocacy trip in Washington, D.C. and met with administrative officials, San Bernardino Congressional members, and other influential elected representatives. A Legislative Reception was held at the offices of Potomac Partners close to the Capitol.  The reception was well attended by elected representatives, administrative officials, Inland Action members and guests. A summary of the Inland Action Washington Legislative Issues and schedule of meetings are attached as an addendum to this report.

 

On May 18 and 19, a delegation of nineteen Inland Action members participated in the Sacramento Advocacy trip and met with elected and administrative officials. A summary of the Inland Action Sacramento Legislative Issues and schedule of meetings are attached as an addendum to this report.

 

Throughout May and June, members of the Transportation Committee met with legislators, elected officials, and community organizations relative to its support for legislation authorizing SANBAG to operate express lanes on I-10 and I-15.

 

On November 4, Inland Action testified before the SANBAG Board in support of express lanes on I-10 as the locally preferred alternative. The SANBAG Board reaffirmed its support on a vote of 22 ayes, 5 no.

 

 

Inland Action took formal action and provided written positions on the following:

 

  • Support AB 857 (Perea), the Clean Trucking Act, which will help California truckers purchase new very low-emission trucks and help accelerate the retirement of older, high polluting trucks. (September 2015)
  • Reaffirmed support for the appointment of Mark C. Edwards to the California State University Board of Trustees. Mark Edwards withdrew his application. (June 2015)
  • Support for AB 914 which provides SANBAG with authority to construct and operate toll facilities on Interstate 10 and Interstate 15 in San Bernardino County.       The bill was signed into law. (September 2015)
  • Support appointment of Jane Carney to serve on the California State University Board of Trustees.  This appointment is under consideration. (July 2015)
  • Support appointment of Dr. Al Karnig for the First 5 California Commission. This appointment is under consideration. (July 2016)
  • Support for the Southern California Regional Rail Authority’s request of $58.9 million to contribute toward the purchase of up to twenty Tier 4 locomotives. (August 2015)
  • Support for SB 229 (Roth) which would provide funding for twelve judgeships in California to be allocated by the Judicial Council in accordance with uniform criteria and the 2012 Judicial Needs Assessment. The bill was vetoed by the Governor. (September 2015)
  • Opposition AB 219 which would apply prevailing wage to ready mixed concrete delivery and, consequently, pose profound changes on the industry. This bill was signed into law. (September 2015)
  • Support AB 1074 (Garcia), the Clean Fueling Act, which would accelerate the adoption of alternative fuel vehicles by addressing the need for alternative fueling stations. (April 2015)
  • Support for the Transportation Improvement Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) grant application submitted by SANBAG for the Redlands Passenger Rail Project.
  • Support the Transportation Investments Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) application jointly submitted by the Cities of Yucaipa and Calimesa which would fund improvements to County Line Road between Oak Hills Parkway/East Street and Bryant Street. No grant has been received. (June 2015)
  • Support the California Water Fix (Alternative 4A), which represents a thoroughly vetted, viable plan to fix California’s aging water distribution system that supplies water to 25 million Californians and 3 million acres of farmland, while also protecting the natural environment in the Delta. (July 2015)
  • Support the California Desert Conservation and Recreation Act of 2015, which will make strides in protecting the irreplaceable scenic, ecological and recreational values of the California desert. (July 2015)
  • Support the Southern California Regional Rail Authority’s (Metrolink) application to the Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program for the purchase of nine new Tier IV locomotives. (July 2015)
  • Supported the appointment of Stephen P. Stockton to serve on the Santa Ana Regional Water Quality Control Board. The appointment is under consideration. (June 2016)

 

Community Involvement 

Inland Action supported the collective effort to develop a narrative for Inland Southern California to frame a vision for the region’s future. Chairman Mark Kaenel and the Chief Executive Officer participate on working groups engaged in the effort.

 

Inland Action continued its regular meetings with the Mayor Carey Davis of San Bernardino to work on issues of community betterment.

 

Carole Beswick continued to serve as a member of SANBAG’s Community Advisory Group (CAG) relative to development of toll lanes on the I-10 and I-15.

 

Inland Action members met with Presiding Judge Marsha Slough on April 29 to discuss court reorganization issues and funding.

 

Inland Action staff attended the annual UCLA Transportation and Land Use Planning Conference with regional leaders from throughout Southern California.

 

Inland Action recognized California State University San Bernardino upon its 50th anniversary and honored its commitment to public higher education over the past five decades.

 

Al Karnig represented Inland Action on the City of San Bernardino Strategic Planning Committee, which served as a component of the City Bankruptcy Plan of Adjustment.

 

Carole Beswick and Ken Coate continued to serve on the Southern Coast Air Quality Management District AQMP Advisory Group.

 

Administration

On March 6 and July 14 Inland Action officers met with some of its newest members in orientation meetings, hosted by Paul Shimoff and John Mirau.

 

On December 10 Inland Action held a holiday open house for members and guests at the home of Carole Beswick.

 

Membership 

Inland Action ended 2015 with 53 members. New members added during 2015 were Barmack Law, Bogh Engineering, and California Beverage Association.  Inland Action did not lose any members during 2015. We appreciate the involvement of all of our members, as their participation is valuable to the Inland Region.

Inland Action mourned the passing of long time members Bill Easley and Larry Sharp in 2015.

 

Addenda to Annual Report

 

No. 1 – 2014 Listing of Weekly Inland Action Meetings

No. 2 –2014 Washington, D.C. Summary of Issues and Appointments

No. 3 – 2014 Sacramento Summary of Issues and Appointments

 

2015 Addendum 1-List of Weekly Inland Action Meetings
January Speaker Company Subject
6-Jan Mike Ramos San Bernardino DA Issues affecting the County
13-Jan Annual Meeting X X
20-Jan Gene Sherman Vocademy The Makers Place
27-Jan Dr. Hart & Dr. Marsden Loma Linda Health-San Bern. Loma Linda Health San Bernardino
February Speaker Company Subject
3-Feb Member Only Meeting X X
10-Feb Dr. Tomas Morales Cal State Universities impact on the IE
17-Feb Congressman P. Aguilar U.S. Congress Initial days in Congress
24-Feb Exec Committee-Special R. Loveridge & R. Redfern X
March Speaker Company Subject
3-Mar Bob Dutton SB County Assessor Update of Assessors office
10-Mar Member Only Meeting X DC Platform/Top priorities
17-Mar No Meeting-DC Trip 3/15-3/18 X X
24-Mar Member Only Meeting X De-Brief DC Trip
31-Mar Executive Committee X X
April Speaker Company Subject
7-Apr Member Only Meeting X X
14-Apr Celeste Cantu Santa Ana Water Shed Water-Drought
21-Apr Laer Pearce LaerPearce & Assoc. Cadiz Water Project
28-Apr Cheryl Kaenel Redlands Unified School District Implementing Common Core
May Speaker Company Subject
5-May Patricia Lock Dawson PLD Consulting Santa Ana River Trail
12-May Member Only Meeting X Sacramento Issues
19-May NO Meeting-Sacramento trip X X
26-May Member Only-Tour Amazon Fullfillment Center, SB X
June Speaker Company Subject
2-Jun Member Only Meeting X Sacramento Debrief
9-Jun David Allen Auto Club Speedway Business That Makes A Difference
16-Jun Member Only Tour Garner Holt Productions Business That Makes A Difference
23-Jun Nick Grooters,The Original Super Glue Pacer Technology Business That Makes A Difference
30-Jun Executive Committee X X
July Speaker Company Subject
7-Jul Member Only Meeting X X
14-Jul Mary Jane Olhasso, Assist Exec. Assist. County of San Bernardino Business That Makes A Difference
21-Jul Mike Burrows, Director SBIA/IVDA Update on IVDA & SBIA
28-Jul James Madaffer, Chair CA Road Charge Tech. Advisory Committee California Road Charges
August Speaker Company Subject
NO Meetings NO Meetings NO Meetings
September Speaker Company Subject
1-Sep NO Meeting X X
8-Sep NO Meeting X X
15-Sep Ben Cook, Owner Hanger 24 Craft Brewery Business That Makes A Difference
22-Sep ASM Marc Steinorth CA Assembly Report on activities in Assembly
29-Sep ASM Jay Obernotle CA Assembly Report on activities in Assembly
October Speaker Company Subject
6-Oct Sen. Connie Leyva CA Senate Report on activities in Senate
13-Oct Supervisor Curt Hagman San Bernardino County Update on the 4th District
20-Oct ASM Chad Mayes CA Assembly Report on activities in Assembly
27-Oct Executive Committee X X
November Speaker Company Subject
3-Nov Member Only Meeting X X
10-Nov Sen Mike Morrell CA State Senate Update on Senate activities
17-Nov Dr. Tony Coulson Cal State San Bernardino Cyber Security
24-Nov Alan Wapner City of Ont/ONT Airport Authority Future of Ontario Airport
December Speaker Company Subject
1-Dec Member Only Meeting X X
8-Dec Hassan Ikhrata Southern California Associated Governments
15-Dec Sen. Richard Roth CA State Senate Report on activities in Senate
22-Dec Executive Committee X X
29-Dec NO Meeting X X


Addendum No. 2 –

2015 Washington, D.C. Summary of Issues and Appointments

 

Inland Action Top Four Federal Legislative Issues 2015 

 

Encourage Inland Empire legislators to develop a strategy to avoid the loss of transportation funding resulting from recent EPA proposals to adopt more stringent standards for ground-level ozone. The Clean Air Act sets attainment standards that must be met by 2023.  Failure to meet those standards (which is very likely in the South Coast Air Quality Management District) could result in loss of federal transportation dollars to our region.  Inland Empire legislators are encouraged to develop a strategy to avoid the loss of transportation funding and to develop a coalition with other regions of the country.

 

Support Reauthorization of the Authority of the Export-Import Bank of the United States to assist the continued growth and expansion of small business manufacturing and employment through exporting. The Export-Import Bank of the United States (Ex‑Im Bank), is the official export credit agency of the U.S. government. Its mission is to assist in the financing of U.S. exports of goods and services to support U.S. employment. The FY 2015 continuing resolution extends Ex-Im Bank’s general statutory charter through June 30, 2015.  A sunset in Ex-Im Bank’s authority would mean that the agency’s authority to enter into new obligations generally would cease. Inland Action supports the reauthorization of the authority of Ex-Im Bank to enable the continued growth of exporting and job creation in the Inland Empire.

 

Enact long-term surface transportation legislation with appropriate funding levels and additional streamlining provisions to support the nation’s current and emerging infrastructure needs, including a dedicated federal fund source to resolve goods movement issues.   Map-21 was finally approved by Congress in 2012.  With Map-21’s short-term extension expiring in May 2015, we need the next long-term federal transportation bill. As most transportation projects can take decades to come to fruition after multi-year planning efforts, it is essential that any new transportation bill account for these long-term planning needs by providing a funding and policy structure of, at minimum, five to six years.  Map-21 also recognized the critical importance of goods movement.  However, Map-21 lacks the funding to improve these corridors to ensure the efficient delivery of goods to market.

 

Support H.R. 594, Waters of the United States Regulatory Overreach Protection Act of 2105, to halt a proposal by the EPA and Army Corps of Engineers until proper coordination with local stakeholders is undertaken. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers recently proposed Clean Water rule modifications to clarify the judicial scope of the Clean Water Act.  San Bernardino County, which has no navigable waters, is impacted by the proposed rule interpretation. Inland Action supports H.R. 594, which would prohibit both the Corps and EPA from enforcing “Definition of ‘Waters of the United States’ Under the Clean Water Act,” or the proposed guidance entitled, “Guidance on Identifying Waters Protected By the Clean Water Act,” for any rulemaking or decision regarding the scope or enforcement of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act).


Inland Action 2015 Federal Legislative Issues At-A-Glance

 

Air Quality

  • Encourage Inland Empire legislators to develop a strategy to avoid the loss of transportation funding resulting from recent EPA proposals to adopt more stringent standards for ground-level ozone.
  • Encourage enhanced federal role in reducing emissions from intrastate and international goods movement vessels.

Economic Development

  • Support Reauthorization of the Authority of the Export-Import Bank of the United States to assist the continued growth and expansion of small business manufacturing and employment through exporting.
  • Support Congressional efforts to encourage return of Ontario International Airport to local control.

Education

    • Support Pell Grants, making it possible for all eligible students in higher education, including public, private, for-profit and community colleges, to receive grants.
  • Support the use of FAFSA prior-year income data to increase the number of students who fill out FAFSA forms, thereby increasing the number of students who attend college.
  • Support proposed reform or reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, also known as the No Child Left Behind Act.

 

Environment

  • Support H.R. 594, Waters of the United States Regulatory Overreach Protection Act of 2105, to halt a proposal by the EPA and Army Corps of Engineers until proper coordination with local stakeholders is undertaken.
  • Support H.R. 291 and S. 176, Water in the 21st Century Act.
  • Request that the Department of Fish & Wildlife coordinate with local agencies when making resource policy decisions, including doing expanded cost/benefit analysis.
  • Support Desert Conservation and Recreation Act and encourage continued discussion among stakeholders.

Homelessness

  • Support the Homeless Children and Youth Act that will expand the definition of homelessness, allowing approximately 900,000 homeless children and families nationwide to access federal assistance programs.

Transportation

  • Enact long-term surface transportation legislation with appropriate funding levels and additional streamlining provisions to support the nation’s current and emerging infrastructure needs.
  • Develop a dedicated federal fund source to resolve goods movement issues and encourage stakeholder participation in plan development throughout the full corridor.
  • Support funding for critical transportation projects and partner with State and local agencies to develop multi-modal systems that link vital transportation corridors.
  • Support continuation of TIFIA loans which greatly leverage scarce federal resources available for transportation projects.
  • Implement project delivery streamlining changes that can deliver mobility improvements to commuters more efficiently.

 

Appointments for Inland Action, Washington, March 16-18, 2015

 

Monday, March 16, 2015
8:00 am Meeting for entire Inland Action delegation for final update and discussion.
9:00 am Attys. Jerry Lederer, John Freshman & Andre Monette, and Staff Member Annick Miller Rivera, Best, Best & Krieger
9:30 am Rick Acalde and Dan Feliz, Potomac Partners, DC
9:30 am Letitia White , Innovative Federal Strategies
11:00 a.m. Joe Sheehy, Legislative Director, Congresswoman Grace Napolitano
11:30 am –

12:00 noon

Acting Administrator Greg Nadeau

Federal Highway Administration, US DOT

3:00 pm Congressman Ken Calvert

Tuesday, March 17, 2015
10:00 am Senator Diane Feinstein
10:00 am The Annual Testimony of the Secretary of the Treasury on the State of the International Financial System
2:30 pm –3:00 pm Congressman Paul Cook
2:30 pm Congressman Ed Royce (CA-39)
3:00 pm Brian Melnyk, Professional Staff Member

Committee on Education & the Workforce

3:45 pm Congressman Raul Ruiz
5:30 pm –7:30 pm Legislative Reception
Wednesday, March 18, 2015
10:00 am Congresswoman Norma Torres
10:00 a.m. Preserving Consumer Choice and Financial Independence

Full Committee Hearing

10:15 am Congressman Pete Aguilar
Senator Barbara Boxer
Congressman Schuster
Congressman Mark Takano

 

 

Addendum No. 3

2015 Sacramento Trip Summary of Issues and Appointments

Inland Action SACRAMENTO Priorities and positions at-a-glance 2015

 

TOP PRIORITIES 

  • Inland Action supports AB 914 (Brown) granting San Bernardino Associated Governments (SANBAG) authority to implement an express lane program on Interstate 10 (I-10) and Interstate 15 (I-15) in the County of San Bernardino.

 

  • Inland Action supports SB 229 (Roth) which would appropriate funds for 10 of 50 approved but unfunded Superior Court judgeships in high need counties (San Bernardino, Riverside, Kern) and would add one appellate court judge in the 4th Appellate District.
  • Inland Action opposes AB 357 (Chiu), Predictable Scheduling Mandate/Protected Leave of Absence as it harms both employers and employees and imposes unworkable constraints on food and retail sales establishments.

POSITIONS

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 

  • Inland Action opposes AB 357 (Chiu), Predictable Scheduling Mandate/Protected Leave of Absence as it harms both employers and employees and imposes unworkable constraints on food and retail sales establishments.
  • Inland Action supports AB 35 (Chiu), Low Income Housing Tax Credit as it will significantly increase the resources available to create and preserve affordable housing.

Education

  • Inland Action supports the California State University and University of California requests for an additional $97m each in State funding.
  • Inland Action supports AB 831 (Bonilla) because it increases Cal Grant funding for low income students attending private non-profit colleges and universities.
  • Inland Action supports differential fee funding in community colleges, especially for costly career technical programs.
  • Inland Action supports a statewide facilities bond for community colleges.

 

ENVIRONMENT

  • Inland Action is concerned that the “one-size-fits-all solution does not adequately recognize work being done by water agencies and municipalities.
  • Inland Action strongly supports the Bay Delta Conservation Plan and applauds the Governor’s efforts to move forward with the project.
  • Inland Action supports AB 1074 (Garcia) as the California Energy Commission’s plan would guide necessary infrastructure development to reach our air quality and GHG emission reduction goals quickly and cost-effectively.
  • Inland Action supports AB 857 (Perea) to provide incentives to increase deployment of clean trucks in California and to improve air quality.
  • Inland Action supports AB 291 (Medina) as it would reduce confusion and administrative burdens under current California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) notification requirements for multi-county water projects and would require local agencies to submit a CEQA notice of determination to the Office of Planning and Research to be posted on the CEQAnet website.
  • Inland Action supports additional funding for the Santa Ana River Conservancy Program.

JUDICIAL

  • Inland Action supports SB 229 (Roth) which would appropriate funds for 10 of 50 approved but unfunded Superior Court judgeships in high need counties (San Bernardino, Riverside, Kern) and would add one appellate court judge in the 4th Appellate District.
  • Inland Action requests that the Governor specify in his budget that the funding of the thirty percent (30%) increase in funding for trial courts as specified in the Workload Allocation Funding Methodology (WAFM) be implemented as planned in the agreed upon time frame.
  • Inland Action opposes SB 682 (Leno) as it limits services that may be provided efficiently by contractors in outlying areas of large counties.

TRANSPORTATIOn

    • Inland Action supports AB 914 (Brown) granting San Bernardino Associated Governments (SANBAG) authority to implement an express lane program on Interstate 10 (I-10) and Interstate 15 (I-15) in the County of San Bernardino.
  • Inland Action supports continued development of a comprehensive strategy to generate a sufficient and dependable revenue source to address the massive backlog of maintenance on State highways.

 

 

Appointments for Inland Action, Sacramento, May 18-19, 2015

 

Monday, May 18, 2015

 

11:35 am Group Arrival at Sacramento Airport

Southwest Flt. 460

12:30 pm Group Lunch at Vallejos (16 for lunch.)
2:15 pm David Garcia, Ph.D., Legislative Consultant for Senator Hannah-Beth Jackson
2:15 pm Joyce Roys-Aguilera, Leg. Aide, for Senator Liu.
2:30 pm Danielle Lenth, Esq., Leg Asst to Senator Mark Leno
3:00 pm Assemblyman Jose Medina
3:00 pm Assemblyman Marc Steinorth and Sam Chung, Chief of Staff
3:30 pm Assemblyman Jim Frazier, Chair Trans.
4:00 pm Felicia Marcus, Chair, CA Water Resources Control Board
6:30 pm Dinner at The Cafeteria
Evening Group Lodging   –       Residence Inn
 

Tuesday, May 19, 2016

 

8:00 am Briefing for Day’s Meetings
9:30 am Senator Connie Leyva
9:30 am Senator Richard Roth
10:00 am Assemblyman Jay Obernolte
10:30 am Ryan J. Morimune, Leg Aide/Press Sec. for Assemblywoman Susan Bonilla
11:00 am Shanna Ezzell for Assemblyman Freddie Rodriguez
11:00 am Krista Pfefferkorn, Consultant¸ Office of Senate Pro Tem Kevin de Leon
11:30 am Senator Tony Mendoza
Lunch Ma Jong, 1431 L St, Sacramento, CA 95814
1:00 pm Mona Pasquil, Gov’s Appointments Sec., Governor’s Office
2:00 pm June Clark, Deputy Legislative Secretary, Governor’s Office
2:30 pm Assemblyman Mark Stone
2:30 pm Assemblyman Chad Mayes
3:00 pm Alf W. Brandt, Legislative Director, Assemblymember Anthony Rendon
3:30 pm Senator Mike Morrell
6:00 pm Group Flight – Sacramento Airport