December 2008 CMC Newsletter Sacramento Update is posted (Link)
December 16 - Judge rules in favor of Pacific Steel (Berkeley) in nuisance claim (Article)
December 12- Channel 7 News (Los Angeles) covers how hard the economy is hitting California's metalworking sector by highlighting CMC member Gregg Industries of El Monte. Government action on the national and local level will be a significant factor as workers and their families hope to stay employed through the holiday season. Video
December 11- The California Air Resources Board (CARB) unanimously approves the AB 32 Scoping Plan. CMC opposed the scoping plan as it does not account for the near term cost increases on business. We now prepare for the implementation process of the Scoping Plan. (Link)
December 3- The recent Governor's Conference on Small Business produced a new publication on health insurance. (Download)
November 2008 CMC Newsletter Sacramento Update is posted (Link)
November 25- CMC ELECTION RESULTS (state Assembly, Senate and Propositions) (Download)
November 18- CMC announces Southern California Regional Quarterly Roundtable date: December 10, at the Embassy Suites, 8425 Firestone Blvd, Downey, CA. Special guest is Assembymember-elect Diane Harkey (R-73). (Registration)
November 13 - CMC holds its conference on California's new "lead-free" law and follow-up legislation (AB 1953, SB 1334, and SB 1395). 115 participants from government, metalworking industry, and water utilities came together for this important meeting. Web page with hand-outs and presentations (link).
November 10 - CMC sends its condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Bob Delsol, President, Pacific Steel Casting Co. Among many things, Bob was a strong supporter of the industry, and CMC. He will be missed.
November 6 - CMC member Gregg Industries settles with the South Coast Air Quality Management District. AQMD spokesman Sam Atwood called the settlement "significant" and said it went beyond previous remediation orders from the agency. (Announcement)
November 5 - CMC endorsed Proposition 11 passes. Before Prop 11, state legislators were allowed to draw their own district boundaries to subvert the system and ensure their re-election. This gerrymandering will end when the district lines are re-drawn in 2011.
October 2008 CMC Newsletter Sacramento Update is posted (Link)
October 27 - CMC announces seminar for Wednesday, October 29, to discuss SCAQMD Proposed Rule 1144. The rule attempts to halt the sale of numerous solvents, lubricants and rust inhibitors used in the metalworking process. (hearing notice, proposed rule, and staff report) Please RSVP if you can attend the seminar this Wednesday: (seminar flier)
October 24- CMC announces Northern California Regional Quarterly Roundtable date: December 4 in Union City, CA at US Pipe. Special guest is state Senator Ellen Corbett (D-10). (Registration).
September 2008 CMC Newsletter Sacramento Update is posted (Link)
September 25- CMC addresses the Precision Metalforming Association (PMA) in La Mirada on SCAQMD Proposed Rule 1144.
September 23- CMC participates in the SCAQMD public hearing on Proposed Rule 1144. The rule attempts to halt the sale of numerous solvents, lubricants and rust inhibitors used in the metalworking process. (hearing notice, proposed rule, and staff report)
September 17- Press release commenting on CARB's AB 32 Draft Scoping Plan. (Press Release)
September 14- CMC urges Governor Schwarzenegger to veto SB 1338, 1115, and 1717. All would displace the workers' comp reforms that helped save many metalworking businesses in California.
September 11- CMC and a broad business coalition urge Governor Schwarzenegger to sign SB 1608. The bill would enact reforms to increase voluntary compliance with disability access. (Letter)
September 10- CMC supports Governor Schwarzenegger's proposed compromise budget and urges the Legislature to expedite passage of the state's overdue budget.
August 2008 CMC Newsletter Sacramento Update is posted (Link)
August 19- SCAQMD working group on proposed rule 1144 (lubricants, solvents, rust inhibitors) hold meeting. Impact on metalworking industy and suppliers expected. (Handouts)
August 12- CMC announces Southern California Regional Quarterly Roundtable date: Sept 23 in Downey, CA. Special guest is Assembymember Anthony Adams (R-59). (Registration)
August 8- AB 2714 (Ma D-San Francisco) failed in Senate Appropriations. Bill sought to mandate paid sick leave on all California employers. CMC opposed this legislation.
August 7- CMC raises scholarship money for local students at 16th Annual S.E. College Conference, hosted by Assemblymember Hector De La Torre. Students from Bell, South Gate, Bell Gardens, Lynwood, Commerce, and others honored.
August 4- CMC announces Northern California Regional Quarterly Roundtable date: Sept 30 in Oakland, CA. Special guest is Mayor Abram Wilson, Republican Nominee for the 15th Assembly District. (Registration)
July 2008 CMC Newsletter Sacramento Update is posted (Link)
July 25- Nearly 1000 employees, families, industry colleagues and concerned El Monte residents protest at the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) headquarters. The SCAQMD is attempting to use odor complaints to close down this prosperous manufacturing facility. Over 400 employees work at Gregg Industries. (Video 1; Video 2; Video 3).
July 22- CMC encourages metalworking companies to support the 16th Annual Southeast College Conference in Bell, CA, August 7, at 6pm. Funds raised will go towards a scholarship fund. (Donation/Info Form).
July 15- CMC continues to monitor and participate in Cal-OSHA 5155 hearings on silica. (Priority List and Skin Irritants).
July 9- CMC joins business coalition against higher property taxes. Of significance is to oppose any initiative for a split-roll tax on business property. (LINK).
July 2- Important article in Sacramento Bee written about redistricting titled: Voters Beware: Politicians will lie to kill Prop 11. CMC supports Prop 11 and changing the way districts are drawn in California. (Article).
June 2008 CMC Newsletter Sacramento Update is posted (Link)
June 26- CMC and business allies comment on ARB Draft AB 32 Scoping Plan. (Letter).
June 20- CMC continues to oppose proposed paid sick leave bill AB 2716 (CMC Letter). The bill will be heard in the Senate Labor and Industrial Committee on June 25.
June 18- CMC announces Northern California Regional Quarterly Roundtable date: July 23 in Oakland, CA. Special guest is Oakland City Council President Ignacio De La Fuente. (Registration)
June 16- CMC members should prepare for California's new hands-free cell phone law for drivers. The law takes effect July 1, 2008. (FAQ)
June 13- CMC is honored by the state Assembly during the CMC 35th Annual Metalworking Industry Conference and Gala. (Certificate of Recognition)
June 9- CMC announces Southern California Regional Quarterly Roundtable date: July 24 in Downey, CA. Special guest is state Senator Alan Lowenthal (D). (Registration)
June 2 - Metalworking Heat Stress Prevention manual for 2008 is available. This is an excellent tool to add to your employee education. (Download)
May 2008 CMC Newsletter Sacramento Update is posted (Link)
May 27 - California reports of scrap metal theft. (Video)
May 21 - CMC lobbies SCAQMD for exemptions for small handlers of coke, coal and sulfur, Rule 1158 (Letter)
May 15 - CMC member Thorock Metals hosts a reception for state Senate candidate Rod Wright (D). Over 20 industry attendees from the district attend. (Photos)
May 14 - PBS airs Spotlight on: Metalcasting. (Video)
May 6 - Press release by Rod Wright, former 48th District Assemblyman and candidate for the 25th Senate District seat announces that he won the endorsement of the California Metals Coalition and would be a champion for California's metalworking industry. Press Release
May 5 - U.S. metalcasting company MetalTek (Missouri) casts the nation's first memorial for 9/11. The memorial opens at the Pentagon on Sept 11, 2008. A special bench will memorialize victims Zoe (8) and Dana (3) Falkenberg. (Video)
May 2 - House passes a bill to force Fed-OSHA to create a specific standard on combustible dust. The Feb 2008 explosion in a Georgia sugar refinery is referred as need for a rule. More info:(Article)
April 2008 CMC Newsletter Sacramento Update is posted (Link)
April 29 - As the hotter months approach, metalworking facilities are reminded to help prevent heat illnesses by using water, shade, training, and written documentation. Download Cal-OSHA Sample Form:(download)
April 28 - CMC and our business allies support legislation designed to promote and increase compliance with laws providing public access to individuals with disabilities, while reducing unwarranted litigation. (Letter)
April 22 - Metal finishers using hexavalent chromium are reminded of the April 24th deadline for reporting the Air Toxic Control Measure (ATCM) Initial Compliance Status Report (ICSR) to their local air districts. Contact your local air district for more information. (SCAQMD Form)
April 21 - Three pieces of legislation targeting metal theft, and handling by metal recyclers, move through the Legislature. Article from Riverside Press Enterprise: (View)
April 17 - CMC opposes Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD) proposal to levy 4.4 cent /tons fee on businesses for CO2 emissions. The ARB is already moving forward with action, reporting, and enforcement. At the very least, this causes considerable confusion. (NY Times Article)
April 15 - CMC Annual Meeting Speaker, Senator Jeff Denham (R-Modesto), makes the front page of the Sacramento Bee as he battles an unwarranted recall. (Article)
April 4 - CMC supports SB 1494 (McClintock-R). Legislation would mandate state agencies to publish budgets, expenditures, and other financial data on a searchable web site.
April 2 - CMC opposes AB 2716 (Ma-D). Legislation would provide employees that work more than 7 days in a calendar year to accrue paid sick leave at 1 hour per every 30 hours worked, with a maximum of 9 days per year.
March 2008 CMC Newsletter Sacramento Update is posted (Link)
March 26 - CMC participates in the Stop Hidden Taxes Coalition, which lobbies against new taxes hidden as fees. (List)
March 18 - CMC opposes SB 1115 (Migden-D). Legislation would reverse a key workers' comp cost reform passed by the legislature and signed into law in 2004. Bill prohibits doctors from considering age, race, or genetic factors when determining workers' comp benefits.
March 14 - CMC supports AB 2127 (Benoit-R). Legislation would allow employers with less than 25 employees to aggree to an employee's request for a flexible workweek. Legislation excludes companies under a collective bargaining agreement.
March 10 - CMC opposes AB 2641 (Davis-D). Legislation would direct the Board of Equalization to conduct a study and amount of revenue that could be generated from imposing a split roll tax. Split roll is a taxation under which real-estate taxes on business and industrial buildings are levied at higher rates than on residential homes. It also undermines Prop 13 protections.
March 5 - CMC and business allies urge Governor Schwarzenegger to reaffirm his support for a cap-and-trade system under AB 32. (Letter)
March 3 - CMC joins the fight to defend state Senator Jeff Denham (R-12) from potential recall. The issue is proposed for the June 3rd ballot. Denham's service to California, strong budget stance during a fiscal crisis, and balanced approach to governance is needed in our state.
February 2008 CMC Newsletter Sacramento Update is posted (Link)
January 2008 CMC Newsletter Sacramento Update is posted (Link)
January 28 - CMC member Gregg Industries (El Monte) is holding an open house for community/public on Saturday February 2, 10am-Noon. (Invitation & RSVP)
January 25 - CMC publishes February 5th 2008 Ballot Guide. (Link)
January 10 - CMC endorses ballot measure to take redistricting out of the hands of legislators. Initiative to begin gathering signatures for 2008 ballot. (Link)
January 8 - CMC opposes Proposition 93 (term limits) because it includes language to allow termed-out legislators to re-file for another term. Additionally, the measure does not reform how legislative districts are drawn. (Link)
January 3 - CMC meets with Governor's office staff to discuss the Health Care Reform Initiative passed by the state Assembly.