Chamber in Action: Annual Advocacy Trip to Sacramento by Adam A. Ruiz

Earlier this month, the Murrieta/Wildomar Chamber joined the Southwest California Legislative Council for its annual Sacramento advocacy trip, and the experience was a powerful reminder of why showing up matters.

Representatives from all four SWCLC member chambers made the trip, and we were glad to welcome two first-time participants to the group. First-timers are not just welcome on these trips, they are encouraged. There is no better way to understand the value of advocacy than to experience it firsthand, and new perspectives strengthen the conversations we have on behalf of the entire business community.

Together, we met with Senator Kelly Seyarto, Senator Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh, Assemblymember Kate Sanchez, Assemblymember Natasha Johnson, and the office of Senator Sabrina Cervantes. Each meeting gave us the opportunity to speak directly on five bills of priority concern, spanning antitrust liability, artificial intelligence, water infrastructure, and natural gas mandates. We also left every office a comprehensive report detailing every bill the SWCLC has taken a position on this session, ensuring our legislators know exactly where the regional business community stands.

The meetings were substantive and engaging. We shared regional successes, raised areas of concern, and had a genuinely energizing exchange with Assemblymember Johnson, who posed a question that sparked real discussion: “If you had a magic wand and could change anything about California's legislative landscape, what would it be?” It was the kind of honest, open conversation that only happens when you are in the room.

Trips like this one are among the most valuable benefits the Chamber offers its members, and they only grow more effective when more voices are at the table.