SDMAC's passion for San Diego and the Military is making headlines. Click the links to the left to read the latest.

For additional information please see the SDMAC Position paper on this subject under the News / Documents section.

SDMAC had urged opposition to AB 1832 a California Assembly Bill that would have taken tidelands and submerged lands from the federal government and turned them over to the state. This bill if passed with its initial draft language had the potential to negatively affect military operations and functions throughout the state, and more particularly in the San Diego region.

Recently, after considerable discussion with the author of the legislation regarding language changes, Commander Navy Region Southwest informed the chairman of the California Senate Natural Resources and Water Committee that the Navy is withdrawing its opposition to AB 1832 contingent upon the adoption of amendments which would alleviate the military's issues. The amendments in question note the role of tidelands and submerged lands in national defense and preclude any activities that might negatively affect military operations or national defense activities.

SDMAC has also reviewed the language changes in the current version of the bill, and agrees that there is no remaining threat to Navy and Marine Corps operations based on transfer of tidelands to the state. Accordingly SDMAC is also withdrawing opposition to AB 1832. Commander Navy Region Southwest, has thanked SDMAC for their role in helping to facilitate the language changes in the final version of this bill.

Thanks to the membership of SDMAC for your support and advocacy on behalf of the military.

In working with the military on issues that affect the military, we’ve seen that many of the region’s organizations have gone Above and Beyond their charter; they have helped out the military behind the scenes, in ways that the public deserves to hear. Those organizations honored were:

San Diego Fleet Week Foundation
Producing the nations greatest salute to the military

City of Coronado
Helping make San Diego the new home port of the USS Carl Vinson

San Diego County Hotel-Motel Association
Bringing the families of the wounded to San Diego

Joint Task Force on Financial Health (Southwest)
Freeing our troops from predatory lenders

San Diego Padres
Bringing baseball to our military, and patriotism to our community

Navy Region Southwest
Bringing federal resources to fight the 2007 Wildfires

Marine Corps Installations West
Defending San Diego’s northern flank from the 2007 Wildfires

We hope our program fosters cooperation between more and more organizations in the San Diego region. As Peter Pace said this morning, when we work together, we will find that our military are good Americans, good citizens of our region, and good neighbors.

The schedule that has been agreed to includes a first draft report due to us for review in January 2008. This report will include a preliminary analysis of the total impact of military spending in the San Diego region. The second draft report will be due for our review in February 2008, and will include the analysis of selected commands and installations and private sector firms. A draft presentation of the final report is due to us in early March 2008, with the final hard copy and electronic version due at the end of March. There is also a one month period following the final report where the representatives from Export Access will be available to present the results of their research at presentations, meetings, press conference and other events.

We are very excited about this undertaking and believe that the final product will be a valuable tool that will provide significant analysis of the depth and breadth of the Economic Impact of the Military community in San Diego.

While our intent is to publish this study under the SDMAC banner, we will also seek sponsorship support for funding of this study from our corporate members at levels of $500, $1,000, $2,500 and $5,000. We will recognize the support of our corporate members at these levels on a sponsorship page that will appear early in the document.

Please contact our Executive Director, Larry Blumberg at (619) 299 3762, E-mail: executivedirector@sdmac.org if you are interested in participating as a sponsor. For your planning purposes, we will need the payments to be completed by 31 January 2008.

We will keep you advised of the progress as the study proceeds. If you have any questions please feel free to contact Larry. Thanks for your support!

Awardees include:

-San Diego Fleet Week Foundation
Producing the nation’s greatest salute to the military

-City of Coronado
Supporting San Diego as the USS Carl Vinson new home port

-San Diego Hotel-Motel Association
Bringing families to San Diego to visit their wounded

-Joint Task Force on Financial Health (Southwest)
Freeing our troops from predatory lenders

-San Diego Padres
Bringing baseball and national service together

-Navy Region Southwest
Combating the region’s wildfires

-Marine Corps Installations West
Defending the county’s northern flank against wildfires

SDMAC is honored to have as our keynote speaker for this event, General Peter Pace, USMC, (Ret.) former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. We will also have as our special guests, the Honorable Jerry Sanders, Mayor of San Diego, and the Honorable Tom Smisek, Mayor of Coronado.

Please note that the SDMAC Achievement Awards event is a Toys for Tots event, so please bring an unwrapped toy. Please also save the date for our regular monthly breakfast on 19 December.

Click here for more details on the event.

Click here to register for the event.

Please join us in honoring and thanking those organizations that have contributed so much to the military in our San Diego region. We look forward to seeing you there.

Click here to view the new annual fee structure.

This program was created to facilitate community members' appreciation of service while also providing assistance to the most junior Service Members who are E-5 and below with children. Last year the program helped 750 families not only at Camp Pendleton but at 29 Palms, 32nd Street, and North Island.

If you, your organization, or your business desire to take part in the Secret SANTA program, please contact the ASYMCA at 760-385-4921 or dbaker@camppendletonasymca.org.

For more information, click here.

Locally, Marines publish videos and PowerPoints for use in unit events. The one below was built at Camp Johnson, part of Camp Lejeune - Marine Corps Installations East.

On page 11 of the PowerPoint a summary quote was taken from Major General (sel) John Kelly's remarks as guest speaker at SDMAC's September breakfast meeting.

To view the PowerPoint, click here.

To read Major General (sel) John Kelly's remarks, click here.

Date: Saturday, November 17, 2007

Time: 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Location: Liberty Station

Event Description: Join Liberty Station (formerly NTC) on October 27th to celebrate its 84th birthday and to commemorate Navy Day. Liberty Station will host a pancake breakfast (9am-11am) for all active military personnel and their families and mark the day with an official flag raising at Ingram Plaza. The Navy Band and the Color Guard will perform. Docent-led tours available. For complimentary tickets and more information go to www.libertystation.com.

Tickets from the original 27 October date are still valid.

For more information, please visit www.fleetweeksandiego.org

Our guest speaker will be VADM Thomas J. Kilcline Jr., USN, Commander Naval Air Forces.

All guests are requested to register at the SDMAC web site, and with the exception of active duty military, all payments must be received in advance. We look forward to seeing you there.

Click here to view the event flyer.

As outlined at the Fleet Week Foundation October breakfast by Admiral Patrick M. Walsh, Vice Chief of Naval Operations, the strategy stresses an approach that integrates seapower with other elements of national power, as well as those of our friends and allies, and how that seapower will be applied around the world.

Click here to view the document.

The San Diego Fleet Week Foundation cordially invites you to the Fleet Week Foundation Breakfast presented by General Atomics on Wednesday, October 17, from 0730 to 0900 at the Admiral Kidd Club at the Fleet ASW Training Center.

The guest speaker is Admiral Patrick M. Walsh, Vice Chief of Naval Operations.

Please register by Friday, October 12th to Laura Black at 619-858-1545 or email at lblack@fleetweeksandiego.org.

Click here to see the registration form regarding pricing and reservation information.

SDMAC is proud to join the Fleet Week Foundation and General Atomics in presenting the Annual Fleet Week Breakfast.

Click here to see the issue paper.

Click here to see the letter to the State Water Resources Control Board.

Click here to see a recent article from the Union-Tribune regarding this issue.

The article addresses concerns by small business contractors who may not be able to qualify for set-asides if acquired by a larger company. The Small Business Administration rule went into effect on 30 June and it requires that a small business recertify its size within 30 days of being acquired by or merged with another company.

SDMAC member Jim Lasswell is also featured.

Click here to read the article.

Click here to view a copy.

He will be ably replaced by his Deputy Commander, MajGen, (Sel.) John Kelly, who is currently in Iraq and will return at the end of August. We are certain that he will have lots to share with us at our breakfast on 5 September.

We look forward to seeing you there.

We will start our Fall schedule on Wednesday 5 September with a very special guest speaker, Lt.Gen. James N. Mattis USMC, Commanding General, I Marine Expeditionary Force; and Commander, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Central Command. The announcement for this event will be posted on our web site shortly.

We are also planning a second Breakfast later in the month of September and we hope to confirm the speaker for that event in the near future.

Have a great summer and we look forward to seeing you all in September.

Click here to view more information on the event.

Click here to visit the SNA web site at www.navysna.org.

We thank you for your support, and hope that we will see you at our future breakfast meetings.

If you would like to be placed on a stand by list, please contact Larry Blumberg, SDMAC Executive Director, at 619-299-3762.

Please register for the breakfast at the SDMAC web site.

Because of the anticipated large crowd for this event, we regret that other than for ACTIVE DUTY MILITARY, we will not be able to accommodate "Pay at the Door Reservations."

Note that this meeting will be held on Thursday the 19th of July vice our normal Wednesday meeting day.

Please click here to view the event flyer.

We look forward to seeing you there!

This summary will debrief you on the progress of SDMAC's Focus/Issue Groups which include Predatory Lending, Broadway Complex, and Wounded Warriors/Family Support.

Click here to read the summary.

Please note that the next breakfast event is on THURSDAY, June 21st - which is different than the normal Wednesday breakfast schedule.

Please note one clarification in the Navy Times article: the handout at yesterday's breakfast had minutes from ASAP21 (The Alliance in Support of Airport Progress in the 21st Century) NOT the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority.

To review a copy of the document, click here.

To review a copy of the ASAP21 Board, click here.

To read a copy of this month’s executive summary, please click here.

The San Diego Military Advisory Council is pleased to announce that the Honorable Donald C. Winter, the Secretary of the Navy, will join us as our guest speaker on Wednesday 16 May at the our monthly Breakfast meeting replacing BGen. David G. Reist USMC, CG 1st Marine Logistics Group. General Reist has graciously agreed to try and join us at a future event.

Since we anticipate a large turnout for this event, we ask that you make your reservations at the SDMAC web site as soon as possible. Those who have previously registered, do not have to re-register. We look forward to seeing you there.

Lawyers are chosen for inclusion based solely on a vote by their peers. Dix was selected for Administrative Law. The list was published in the April edition of San Diego Magazine.

"Best Lawyers" lists attorneys in 77 specialties, representing all 50 states. Only 300 attorneys were selected. The guide has been published annually since 1983.

To view the list click here.

The Council and Navy will continue a cooperative relationship to address a long-term regional traffic solution for NASNI traffic.

Click here to view a copy of the Council's resolution.

Please look to the "Latest News" section below to view articles regarding the announcement. The official press release from the Department of Defense is also posted.

The latest design for the proposed Navy office building on the downtown waterfront is reminiscent of a ship. The building is the first of the Navy Broadway Complex redevelopment to have specific plans announced.

To view the article, click here.

To view the bill, click here.

To track the status of the bill, click here. When you get to the screen, type in "AB7" in the bill number box and hit "search." Then click on Bill "AB 7 - Lieu". You will be able to view status and history of the bill as well as the amended and original versions of the bill.

A copy of the amended bill is also saved under SDMAC's MEDIA section, under "Documents".

They are seeking sponsors for this invitation-only event to help with costs such as catering, lighting, and sound. As thanks for support, they will hang sponsor banners around the facility and place corporate logos on the Funny Car at the event. There will also be photo opportunities for attendees to be photographed with the car.

If you are interested in supporting this event to honor the Wounded Warriors or need additional information please contact LCDR Shannon M. Corkill at 619-532-2925 or shannon.corkill@navy.mil. Please note that this is an invitation-only event.

To view more information on this event, click here.

Checks can be made out to the "San Diego Veterans Museum" and mailed to the following address:

San Diego Veterans Museum/Memorial Center 2115 Park Blvd. San Diego, CA 92101

Make sure to note on the check that it is for the Veteran’s Day Parade, so it can be allocated to the proper account. All donations are deductible as charitable giving since the SDVM is a 501c3 organization.

For more information please contact the San Diego Veterans Museum/Memorial Center at (619) 239-2300.

Payday loans are one of SDMAC's Focus-Issue Groups for 2007.

To view the article, click here .

SDMAC has identified seven issues that affect the San Diego military community. Chairs have been selected for each issue and volunteers are sought to serve on each committee. Thanks to members of the joint SDMAC/NDIA San Diego Chapter Legislative Committee for volunteering to serve on the Focus-Issue Groups. SDMAC would like to extend participation to our membership.

Click here to see a listing of the issues and committees.

If you are interested in joining one of the Focus-Issue Groups, please email the Chair of the respective committee. The Focus-Issue Group list is also posted in the “About Us” section of the web site.

The first legislative alert has been issued by the newly formed SDMAC/NDIA Legislative Committee regarding the 3% Government Contract Withholding.

The 3% withholding requires all federal, state, and local governments to withhold three percent (3%) of payments for goods and services, to include Medicare payments, farm aid, and certain grants.

This is a SIGNIFICANT issue that will affect businesses of all sizes.

To review more information on the topic, click here.

Frank Hewitt, Chairman of the NDIA San Diego Chapter Legislative Committee, was asked by Nancy Dix, President of SDMAC, to Chair the SDMAC Legislative Committee. That action sparked the move to form a Joint Legislative Committee. With the concurrence of Dwayne Junker, President of NDIA San Diego Chapter, the two organizations combined their Legislative Committee membership and are in the process of moving forward in 2007 in very close working coordination.

With Frank Hewitt Chairing the Joint Legislative Committee and SDMAC providing the Vice Chair, the committee will support, promote, and represent the common business and other interests of the military, military families, and the military industrial community in the San Diego area. Also, this move will advance the partnership and communication between the military, our elected and appointed officials, and the business community while working to enhance recognition of the military’s many contributions to the greater San Diego area.

The Joint Legislative Committee will be capable of focusing on, speaking publicly on, and taking appropriate actions in furtherance of the San Diego Chapter of NDIA and SDMAC as they carry out their missions in support for our military and military industrial community.

2007 SDMAC President Nancy Dix kicked off her year as President by mentioning a book that she encouraged members and guests to check out.

It is called "The China Study: The Most Comprehensive Study of Nutrition Ever Conducted and the Startling Implications for Diet, Weight Loss and Long-term Health" by T. Colin Campbell and Thomas M. Campbell II.

You can get the book at any local bookstore or at amazon.com. Click here to learn more about "The China Study".