Trucking Industry Files Suit For Relief From New Independent Contractor Rules

The California Trucking Association and two independent California truck drivers have filed suit in the U.S. Southern District Court to challenge the California Supreme Court’s ruling in the case of Dynamex Operations West, Inc. v. Superior Court. That ruling changed the state’s guidelines for identifying whether a worker is an employee or independent contractor in such a way that “prohibits independent owner-operator drivers from contracting and performing trucking services for licensed motor carriers in California,” CTA argues. The plaintiffs contend that the ruling violates existing federal laws and policies, including a 1994 law preventing states from creating legislation that impacts motor carrier’s prices and services. Click here to read the full legal complaint.

Air Resources Board Adopts $483 Million Clean Transportation Plan

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) today approved $483 million in funding for clean car rebates, zero-emission transit projects and other clean transportation programs. The majority of funds, $455 million, are sourced from the cap-and-trade program, with the remainder from the agency’s  air quality improvement program. The funding plan prioritizes projects in low-income and disadvantaged communities, according to a statement from CARB. About $200 million is dedicated to clean vehicle rebates, $180 million for clean truck and bus vouchers and near-zero emission freight facilities, $75 million for “transportation equity projects,” and $28.6 million for heavy-duty vehicle emission improvements.

City Council To Consider Short-Term Rental Ordinance In December

The Long Beach City Council will hear recommendations for a proposed short-term rental (STR) ordinance on December 4, 5 p.m., at City Hall. An STR is a property that is rented for a short-term stay, such as through Airbnb. In preparation for the hearing, city staff conducted community outreach activities, a targeted case study of STR ordinances in other jurisdictions and an economic/fiscal feasibility assessment. If adopted by the city council, the ordinance would establish guidelines for operating STRs within the city.

Goodwill Receives Grant To Prepare Southern Los Angeles Youth For The Workforce

Goodwill Serving the People of Southern Los Angeles County (SOLAC) has received a $250,000 grant for employment training and services from Citi Foundation’s 2018 Youth Workforce Fund. The fund is part of the foundation’s Pathways to Progress initiative, which focuses on economic success for young job seekers. Services to be provided through the grant include occupational skills training, employment placement, and retention and career advancement support in the health care, loss prevention and security professions. According to Goodwill SOLAC President and CEO Janet McCarthy, the grant will enable at least 150 low-income youth from ages 18 to 25 to acquire skills for the workforce and benefit from Goodwill’s support services for up to five years.