April Chamber luncheon

Assemblyman Vince Fong spoke in absentia at the April Chamber of Commerce luncheon. Fong, who was called out of town, phoned in his update on the new California gas tax and other issues in Sacramento. Only in the Assembly for three months, Fong found himself Vice Chair of the Transportation Committee. The gas tax issue was just "pure raw politics" said Fong; a vote being taken only when they were sure they had the votes for passage. The 12 cent a gallon tax, which goes into effect on Nov. 1, will also have an additional 8 cent Board of Equalization tax making it a 20 cent per gallon increase. The tax applies to diesel fuel as well but not aviation fuel. The bill also made changes to vehicle registration fees including a $100 increase for zero-emission cars starting in 2020. The bulk of the money is supposed to go to road repairs and transportation. He said he will be checking the budget "line by line" to determine where the money will go.

Trish Reed from the American Heart Association also addressed the Chamber group about the upcoming Tehachapi Heart and Stroke Walk, teaming the Heart Association with Adventist Health for the June 11 event. Gran Fondo organizer Michelle Vance added that there will also be an opportunity to cycle the nearby Lehigh Mountain BikeTrails as part of the event.