Dave Oates, APR

The Oceanside Chamber of Commerce is rethinking workforce development from the ground up. Through: • SOCAL Workforce, a regional campaign promoting local, high-wage career pathways 🌐 • State-funded ETP training grants to help manufacturers upskill their teams ⚖️ • Rising Star scholarships for high school students who embody leadership and perseverance 🌟 ... the Chamber is aligning education, business, and government to tackle today's workforce challenges and prepare for tomorrow's demands. Learn how this model is creating a stronger, more inclusive talent pipeline for North County. 📈 Follow North County Pipeline for the full story and more updates on workforce and economic development. https://lnkd.in/gtYfTbCx

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Regional governance works best when it reflects the full geography and diversity of the communities it serves. In San Diego County, major agencies like San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG), the San Diego County Water Authority, and the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority make decisions that profoundly affect North County — yet nearly all board meetings happen downtown. Advocates argue that rotating meetings into North County, even once or twice a year, would strengthen public access, build trust, and give leaders firsthand insight into local challenges. Other regions, including Boston and Hampton Roads, already use this approach to improve engagement. Learn why location matters for effective governance and how San Diego could lead by example. (Thanks to W. Erik Bruvold of the San Diego North Economic Development Council (SDNEDC) for the guest column!) https://lnkd.in/gkVAXx2Y

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The Oceanside Chamber of Commerce is demonstrating how workforce programs can strengthen both organizations and communities. In a guest column by Chamber CEO Scott Ashton, the chamber shares its experience with California’s EWE and ESE programs, administered locally by Equus Workforce Solutions. Bonnie, a participant in the EWE program, joined the chamber team earlier this year and quickly became a vital contributor. Her transition to full-time employment through ESE highlights the value of these programs for nonprofits and small businesses looking to grow without added financial strain. The chamber was recently recognized at Equus’s Champions Awards Night for its role in workforce development. Read more and subscribe. https://lnkd.in/g26EXx_h

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If families can’t understand us, they can’t trust us. And if they can’t trust us, we can’t serve them well. Too often, language access is treated as a compliance box. A translation after the fact. An interpreter added at the last minute. But in Fresno Unified, we’re doing something different. We’re building a system that centers families who speak languages other than English, from the beginning. ✅ We created a full Translation & Interpretation Services department. ✅ We launched Family Connect: an on-demand language line in 100+ languages. ✅ We established districtwide standards to make IEPs more accessible, faster. ✅ And last week, we showed off a new AI video translation tool that left our parent advocacy partners in awe, hearing our superintendent “speak” Spanish in a way that felt personal and powerful. Language access isn't an add-on. It's a promise. To every family. Every time. Because when families feel seen and heard, they lean in. They advocate. They partner with us. And that’s how we build a system that works for every student, not just the ones whose families already know how to navigate it. 💬 What’s one thing your organization is doing to turn equity from intention into action? I’d love to learn from others doing this work.

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Benchmark Your Mission Agency Against the Broader Movement The Missio Nexus Member Data Report, Volume 5 delivers year-end 2024 insights from 96 of 361 member agencies—representing more than 40,000 staff serving globally. This... https://lnkd.in/gzRBFNCQ

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Since I started working in the Capitol—as a press secretary for Governor George Deukmejian in 1983—I’ve seen many state budgets. Year after year, one thing remains true: the state budget is the single most important policy document lawmakers consider. It sets priorities, allocates values, and forces hard choices. Governor Newsom signed the 2025–26 budget this week. 👉 Read the latest analysis from Lucas Public Affairs on what this year’s budget means for California’s future. #CABudget #CaliforniaPolicy #PublicAffairs #FiscalResponsibility #Governance

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For those working in California, the establishment of this new CEO Council is a much-needed and strategic move for the business community. Uniting CEO's across industries (energy + tech + healthcare + logistics + entertainment + utilities + manufacturing) and harnessing their knowledge, networks and resources to drive positive policy outcomes that support a healthy California for our people, businesses and environment. Pleased to see FHA's current and historic clients populating this early roster, including Prologis, Kern Energy, California Resources Corporation and SoCalGas (with more to come). We center our work on the most pressing issues and high profile engagements in California - and join in supporting's the new council's mission.

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Sacramento Kings Expand Mentorship Efforts to Empower Youth Across the Region January 10, 2026 CVV News In recognition of National Mentorship Month, the Sacramento Kings are expanding their commitment to youth empowerment with the launch of Draft Your Future, a new initiative focused on mentorship, career exploration, and community impact. The Kings will spotlight the importance of mentorship while creating new opportunities for adolescents and young adults to connect with industry professionals....

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