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The Chamber Compass
Your bi-weekly guide to the news & happenings of Dana Point
February 26, 2014
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Putting Your Money Back in Your Pocket
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One of the constant challenges for small-business owners is cash flow, particularly in the first years of operation.
For years, many new business owners faced the burden of registering for a seller's permit with the Board of Equalization only to discover that they had to post thousands of dollars in the form of a security deposit with the agency. The deposit was supposed to act as collateral for future liabilities, but it was an expense that most new businesses - hungry for scarce capital - could do without.
California businesses already had enough to worry about without having to send their much-needed capital to Sacramento in the form of a needless security deposit.
As your representative on the Board, it had long been a goal of mine to eliminate the automatic security deposit program. I'm happy to report that I have succeeded in fulfilling that goal.
On December 17, 2013, my colleagues and I voted to eliminate the automatic requirement for security deposits. And beginning in February, the BOE will release almost half of the $296 million in security deposits that it currently holds- $67 million of which is cash and liquid assets - back to business owners.
Read more. |
Chamber Members Dominate the Dana Point Times
Best of Dana Point Awards!
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It's that time of year again - the Dana Point Times has announced this year's "Best of Dana Point" and it's no surprise that the list is FULL of Chamber members. Chamber members took home the coveted Golden Lantern award in 75% of categories in over 40 classifications relating to eateries, shops, services and events.
For a list of all the winning Chamber member businesses, click here. Congratulations to all of the winners - and remember to shop local, shop Dana Point!
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SDG&E Warns Customers About Payment Scam
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SDG&E is continuing to alert customers to be aware of an ongoing wire fraud that has been targeting SDG&E residential and business customers. Reports indicate that individuals are misrepresenting themselves as utility employees by calling customers and threatening to turn off electric and gas service if an immediate payment is not made. Customers are instructed to purchase a pre-pay credit card, and are directed to another phone number where information is then obtained from the card and the cash value is then removed.
SDG&E wants to warn customers of this fraud in an effort to prevent them from becoming potential victims. The company assures customers that SDG&E does not proactively contact them and ask for credit card information over the phone.
SDG&E customers should not provide any financial information by phone unless they have initiated the conversation. If any customers receives a phone call that makes them feel uncomfortable, and they know they have an outstanding balance that needs to be resolved, they should hang up and call SDG&E directly at 1-800-411-7343.
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Are You Using Your Member to Member Discount?
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 If you don't know already, your chamber membership gives you access to exclusive discounts and services offered to members only.
You can save money on auto repair, hotel accommodations, plumbing, coffee, restaurants plus much more, all while supporting your fellow Chamber members!
We invite you to participate in our Member to Member discount program that makes your business visible, boosts sales, saves you money and can increase business among Chamber Members. Plus, you don't have to wear a 1980's "Members Only" jacket to participate!
For an up-to-date list of current Member to Member Discounts, click here. Would you like your business to participate in this awesome program? Of course you do - contact us now! |
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Don't Miss the 43rd Annual Festival of Whales
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Southern California's summer tourists may have come and gone, but this winter a different type of tourist will be traveling along the West Coast and heading to Baja during its annual migration: the majestic California Gray Whale. The whales will begin their migration in late November, but from March 1 - 2 and 8 - 9, hundreds of these 35-ton leviathans will splash through the seaside community of Dana Point, California - the West Coast's premier location to meet and greet these incredible creatures during the 43rd Annual Dana Point Festival of Whales.
The Dana Point Festival of Whales is one of Southern California's largest seafaring celebrations and reaches out to whale admirers around the world. Dana Point is teeming with festivities every winter during this special time of year, offering something for everyone and you're invited! Festival highlights include an opening day parade, Street Fair for family friendly games and culinary lovers of all ages, art exhibits, classic car exhibits, paddling events, sand sculpting, concerts on land and water, environmental activities, educational opportunities, interpretive crafts, kids activities, and of course, whale watching excursions on a variety of vessels or whale watching from breathtaking Dana Point Headlands Conservation Park. For those wishing to spend more than a day admiring these mighty leviathans and taking in the sights of beautiful Dana Point, a variety of accommodations are available throughout the city, many offering whale watching packages and unforgettable ocean and harbor view guest rooms. The 2014 Festival invites visitors to migrate to each and every exciting event via a complimentary shuttle service provided throughout the Festival venues! Most events will happen rain or shine - so throw on a poncho and head on down! Click here to learn more about Important Road Closure Information that affects your Home or Business.
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Networking at Noon - Aventura Sailing Association, hosted by Breakwater Events & Catering
Thursday, March 6th 11:30am - 1:00pm
$15 Members $20 Non-Members
This event is open to members and non-members to attend. Attendees will have the opportunity to network, discuss their business with others and generate new business leads - while supporting a great chamber member restaurant!
The cost to attend is $15 for members and $20 for non-members and includes lunch, beverage and gratuity.
Please pre-register for the event as it helps us to give an accurate headcount to the kitchen. Space is limited so register now - and don't forget your business cards!
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Third Thursday Mixer - The Surfin' Cowboy
Thursday, March 20th 5:30-7:30pm
$12 Members | $20 Non-Members
Giddy up! Please join us for our upcoming March mixer, hosted by The Surfin' Cowboy, located in Capistrano Beach on Thursday, March 20th from 5:30-7:30pm.
Attendees will have the opportunity to network, discuss their business with others and generate new business leads - while enjoying delicious hors d'oeuvres and drinks from our generous host.
Help our Chamber grow stronger by bringing a friend - invite a local business owner or even a friend to attend the event!
The cost to attend is $12 for members and $20 for non-members.
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Ribbon Cutting Celebration
Thursday, March 20th 11:30 AM
34163 Pacific Coast Highway #225E, Dana Point, CA 92629
Friday, March 21st 2:30 PM
26153 Victoria Blvd, Dana Point, CA 92629
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Interested in hosting a ribbon cutting at your business?
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Blue Shoe Roofing Company
Blue Shoe Roofing is a family owned company located in the heart of Orange County. We are licensed, insured, and bonded for your protection. Our roofers are very experienced and serve Orange, San Diego, San Bernardino, Riverside, Los Angeles and Ventura Counties. We install residential, commercial and industrial roofs.
Whether you need a complete re-roof or just repair work and maintenance to prolong the life of your roof, Blue Shoe can help! For realtors or the mortgage lending market, we will perform a complete roof inspection and offer roof certifications whenever possible to help in the closing of your sale.
We are approved/authorized installers for most major roofing manufacturers. We at Blue Shoe guarantee that you will receive personalized service for any and all of your roofing needs. Give us a call for any roofing needs you may have. You'll be very glad you did.
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Dana Point Community Cycling Foundation
The Dana Point Community Cycling Foundation seeks to promote cycling as a healthy, fun activity for all ages. We promote and support local charities throughout the community that advocate healthy, active living and lifestyles.
The Dana Point Community Cycling Foundation and the Dana Point Grand Prix (DPGP) of Cycling is proud to announce that DPGP has once again been selected by USA Cycling as a member of the National Criterium Calendar, a series of exclusive events representing the best of American bicycle racing in some of its finest cities.
This year's Grand Prix event will take place on Sunday, May 4th. Join top professionals, amateurs and excited kids as they race around downtown Dana Point on the best race course in America overlooking the beautiful Pacific Ocean and spectacular Dana Point Harbor on historic PCH.
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 Doheny Food Company | Boneyard Cafe
Doheny Food Company is a full service, year round catering company. We are very proud to be the exclusive caterers for Doheny State Beach. We can do any type of catering event from small parties to very large weddings and corporate events. We also do off-site catering venues and events.Our staff is committed to providing you a fabulous experience whether it is at beautiful Doheny State Beach, or offsite at your particular venue. With over 50 years of event and catering services experience, we look forward to bringing your vision to life.
Doheny Food Company catering is managed by partner, Jim Miller who has owned The Coffee Importers in Dana Point Harbor for the last 34 years and who has a stellar reputation. The Doheny Food Company team brings its many years of experience and expertise in the field of food, catering and special events as the exclusive caterers to Doheny State Beach and to all of its outside catering events.
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Owen Newell, Civic Member
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Thank You to Our Renewing Members
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Alice Anderson, Civic Member
Member Since 1992
Member Since 2008
Dick Dietmeier, Civic Member
Member Since 2012
Member Since 2013
Member Since 2013
Susan Hinman, Civic Member
Member Since 1986
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Dana Point ART Launch at THE SHED
Thursday, February 27th 5:00 - 7:00 PM
How often do you get a chance to to meet and talk with working artists? Come and meet the very talented group of the The Shed Art Gallery in Dana Point and listen to rising star Charles Fulwood perform at their monthly "Dana Point Art Launch @ The Shed" from 5:00 - 7:00 PM on February 27. The Shed Fine Art Gallery is located at 24471 Del Prado Avenue in the Coastal Arcadian Center. Entrance to the Center, which includes OC Beads and the Coop, is on Amber Lantern. Enjoy time to meet and talk with the featured artists and to enjoy their Fine Art Contemporary creations. The Shed Fine Art Galley is fortunate to show work by Susan Marosz, Jon Prud'homme, Glenda Rolle, Ruffini and Michael Moon, Nina K, Elizabeth Bridy, Dray, Marie-Pierre Philippe-Lohezic, Parvis, and Hal Yasulka. SIp some wine and enjoy refreshments while you enjoy the JunQies Informal Vintage fashion show.
There is no entrance fee. However a donation is requested to benefit The Laguna Beach Friendship Shelter. They help individuals get back on their feet and make the transition back into society.
There will also be live music by up and coming star Charles Fulwood, who has been performing since the age of 11. By the age of 14 he was playing at venues like the Coach House, The Roxy, the House of Blues and Hogue Barmichaels with his band, Lush Behavior, performing his own original songs.
Newly established in 2013, The Shed is considered to be one of the top contemporary galleries of Orange County featuring an impressive collection of unique and original artwork. Owner Sue Osborne was just nominated for a 2014 Excellence in Entrepreneurship Award in the Orange County Business Journal - congratulations Sue!!
Please RSVP |
Family Assistance Ministries Offering
Free Income Tax Preparation 
IRS-trained volunteers will begin offering FREE income tax preparation at Family Assistance Ministries Resource Center on Calle Negocio in San Clemente. Households with income less than $58,000 in 2013 are eligible. Working people with household incomes less than $51,567 can claim the earned income tax credit on their Federal tax returns - up to $6,044 this year, based on income and family size!
Appointments are available for all Saturdays from now until April 12th from 9am - 12 noon. To make your appointment or for more information on how to receive free tax preparation from the Voluntary Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, visit the Family Assistance Ministries website or give them a call, at (949) 492-8477.
Can't make it into our site? If you meet the above qualifications, you can do it yourself at www.myfreetaxes.com/FAM.
Documents required to be brought in on the day of your appointment:
* Copy of last year's tax return 2012
* Proof of identity (CDL or passport)
* Social Security cards or ITIN cards for client, spouse and/or dependents
* W-2 for 2013
* Information for other income, if applicable
* Identification number for child care provider, if applicable
* Documentation (information) for any deductions/credits
If married, both spouses need to come to the appointment.
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Laguna Cliff's Marriott Restaurant Week Menu
February 23 - March 1, 2014
 Whether you're craving a relaxed ocean-view breakfast or anticipating a romantic anniversary dinner, our restaurant, Vue, is sure to meet your expectations. Our culinary team brings you exceptional California cuisine including the freshest meats and seafood. Our chefs have created a diverse menu, giving a local flair to a number of traditional favorites. A rich and varied wine list and an elegant yet casual atmosphere complete your dining experience. Visit us for breakfast, lunch or dinner and choose from indoor or outdoor seating.
Join us for a four-course prix fixe menu by our talented Chef Thomas in our ocean-view, Vue Restaurant for a spectacular dining experience. This offer is only valid once a year so book your reservations now.
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SOCSA Foundation's 11th Annual Opera Celebration
Underwriting Dinner
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Dana Point Symphony offers up an incredible experience on March 7th & 8th
Don't miss out on this opportunity to experience a Symphony Spectacular!
On March 7 and 8th, 2014, the Dana Point Symphony will present Symphony Spectacular aboard the Pilgrim, a three-masted schooner, in collaboration with the Festival of Whales, South Orange County School for the Arts, OC Parks, The City of Dana Point and the Ocean Institute. An ocean themed extravaganza with the Symphony, opera divas, dancers, singers from South Orange County School of the Arts, and high-flying aerialists from Luminario Ballet of Los Angeles - the audience will be transported through a spectacle never seen before in Dana Point.
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Rita's Ice Grand Opening Celebration
Friday, March 7th 10 AM - 9 PM
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Monarch Beach Sunrise Rotary Club Presents:
22nd Annual Charity Golf Tournament
at Monarch Beach Golf Links
50 Monarch Beach Resort N, Dana Point, CA
Monday, March 31, 2014
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Save the Date: VFW Post 9934 Presents the 50th Anniversary Commemoration of the Vietnam War
May 14-18 at Sea Terrace Park
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