Many of us drive up and down streets every day, but never take the time to discover what businesses may line a particular road.  I have passed by Sunflower Farms many a time, yet I have never taken the time to stop and explore.  What a mistake on my part.  This past Monday I was greeted at Sunflower Farms by Russell Akiyama.  Russell's parents began the business in 1973. Russell is very passionate and that was evident in the knowledge he shared on the tour.

     Sunflower Farms is not a traditional place to purchase shrubs, flowers, herbs or trees. It is so much more!  The location is lined with beautiful trees.  "My mother wanted to shy away from rows, therefore, we have different sections," stated Russell.  A large silk floss tree from South Africa caught my eye as did a 30 year old cherry bonsai.  As Russell walked me through the various sections, I soon found myself so engaged.  

     As we entered the section in which herbs were growing, Russell quickly pulled three leaves from three different plants and said, "Here, taste these".  I did, and what an experience.  Russell provided an explanation of the leaves I was eating and explained that he uses them daily.

     One of the most fascinating parts of the visit was to see a papaya and a pomegranate tree that were both bearing fruit.  The trees were beautiful. Russell picked a large pomegranate and opened it to provide a sample of the seeds. There are also Mulberry and Macadamia Nut trees onsite.

     As Russell walked me through the various sections, I was intrigued to learn that Sunflower Farms is also a certified wildlife habitat.  There are over a dozen bird and a dozen lizard species at the location. He explained that Sunflower Farms offers to their customers, expert advice in erosion control, drip irritation and drought tolerant planting.  Russell stated, "The source for our pumpkins is a farmer from Camarillo.  This year their crop was 30% less due to water.  We must all conserve".

     Sunflower Farms is indeed a unique location.  Not only do they offer an assortment of shrubs, flowers, herbs and trees, but they have a cute gift shop and sell firewood that they cure onsite.  Thank you, Russell for an educational and fun tour and, thank you Sunflower Farms for being a member of the Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce!

Kirk Rossberg, Owner, pauses for a photo outside his well-known and well-loved hometown Bakery. Be sure to stop by and visit Kirk for some yummy Halloween treats.  Torrance Bakery & Sandwich Shop has been a TACC member since 1984 and has been a loyal participant of the Business Expo for many years. Thank you Kirk Rossberg and Torrance Bakery for your participation, the Chamber looks forward to seeing you on "Game Day!"

Nigel Heath, Owner, poses for a quick photo inside his beloved brewery with a few of his employees. Be sure to stop by and visit Nigel and receive your free taste of Absolution!  Absolution Brewing Company has been a TACC member since 2014 and looks forward to participating in the 2015 Business Expo. Thank you Nigel Heath and Absolution Brewing Company for your participation, the Chamber looks forward to seeing you on "Game Day!" 

On Oct. 11th California Governor Edmund G. Brown officially ended the state legislative session for 2015 after a busy weekend which saw dozens of bills vetoed and myriad others signed into law. Heading into the final weekend, several bills that TACC had been working hard to prevent were up for consideration. Fortunately, Governor Brown came through with a flurry of vetoes in favor of business. Following the Governor's actions, TACC has ended the year with a 86% stoppage rate on bills that were considered bad for TACC members. A summary of all of the bills TACC took position on in 2015 can be found here. For the TACC opposed bills that were vetoed by the Governor this weekend, see below:

SB 406: Significant Expansion of California Family Rights Act. Increases costs, risk of litigation and creates less conformity with federal law by expanding the family members for whom leave may be taken, which will provide a potential 24- week protected leave of absence for employers to administer.

READ THE GOVERNOR'S MESSAGE

AB 305: Increases Workers' Compensation Costs. Increases litigation and frictional costs by expanding workers' compensation coverage beyond industrial injuries by barring apportionment for some pre-existing injuries or conditions.

READ THE GOVERNOR'S MESSAGE

AB 465:  Increased Litigation. Significantly drives up litigation costs for all California employers as well as increases pressure on the already-overburdened judicial system by precluding mandatory employment arbitration agreements, which is likely pre-empted by the Federal Arbitration Act.

READ THE GOVERNOR'S MESSAGE

A B 1017: Frivolous Litigation. Threatens only private employers with civil litigation and criminal prosecution for seeking an applicant's prior salary and benefit information even though the applicant suffered no harm in compensation from the inquiry.

READ THE GOVERNOR'S MESSAGE