Happy New Year!

Here's wishing us all a healthy and, er . . . more prosperous year in 2010 than we just came through in Oh Nine! Check out the Chamber Events Calendar for great ways to start the New Year off with your friendly local Chamber of Commerce. Visit www.SouthPasChamber.com

Float Time!

The crew is gearing up for the final stages of the float construction and decoration - it's Tournament Time! (Of Roses, that is.) Stop in on our next Network Koffee at the float site in the War Memorial Parking Lot and check it out. Thursday, December 17 at 8am. Food by the soon-to-be-open Great Harvest Bread Co. Yum!

Out of the Ashes of Old City Yard Rises . . . What?

The City Council of South Pasadena wants your ideas on what to do with the City-owned property at 825 Mission Street. This site was home base to Public Works Department vehicles and supplies - and part of it still is - in an "open air" kind of way. You see, in April 2009, a fire reduced the usable facilities area, a bit. Now they want to know: replace, rebuild, renew, redo? About two-thirds of the west garage was destroyed. On the other hand, thanks to our crack fire team and support from many others, the historic Plunge Building next door was saved.
Please submit your suggestions to the City Manager's Office by December 31, 2009 via letter, fax, email, or in person at: City Hall-City Manager's Office, 1414 Mission Street, South Pasadena, CA 91030 or call (626) 403-7210 or Fax to (626) 403-7211 or email: cmoffice@ci.south-pasadena.ca.us

Channel 99 for City Council

Hey, Council Watchers everywhere . . . but especially in SouthPas: here's the news! AT&T U-verse in South Pasadena now has the City Council meetings for you. If you're already a subscriber, go to Channel 99 and scroll alphabetically 'til you see South Pasadena. For more info, visit www.ATT.com Of course, TimeWarner Cable folks in the City can still see it on Channel 19. And for the rest of you . . . well, it's LIVE at City Hall every first and third Wednesday (unless otherwise dutifully posted by Sally Kilby, City Clerk) at 1414 Mission Street in South Pasadena.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Thank you for shopping locally for your Turkeys and accessories . . .

Rey Bustos Busts Out

The opening for Rey Bustos at SoPas Gallery was a huge success. Rey's paintings, fantastic landscapes inspired by Google Earth, are amazing. Over 150 people attended, many who were first-time SoPas Gallery guests. Lots of Art Center students came by. Rey sold some work, too. This was a good one. If you missed the opening, you can still see the work - until the end of November. Click through to SoPas Gallery to see more.

Ribbon Cuttins and Block Parties Next Saturday

South Pasadena defies the recession next Saturday. Start at 9:30 at CityDental in the El Pollo Loco Plaza as Tom Field and yours truly =" SNIP"= the ribbon and welcome a new business. Later, shop 'til you drop at the Block Party on Mission between Fair Oaks and Mound. Discounts and Goody Bags! Then  saunter down toward the Gold Line for a stop at Santa Fe Crafts, The Store for a unique jellies and jams tasting . . . Get the details, as always, at www.SouthPasChamber.com

Explore India Nine Days Two G's

The annual Chamber of Commerce trip takes in an exotic swath of ancient India, and New Delhi too. Only $2,090, all inclusive. If you'd like to go, or think you might, come to Livin' Art on Tuesday, November 17 at 6pm for the information overview. You can find out details and link to Livin' Art at www.southpaschamber.com. Trip departs April 17, 2010. Namaste. (Did I do that right?)

Election Results November 3, 2009

Congratulations to Councilmembers Michael Cacciotti and Philip Putnam, who won back their seats on South Pasadena City Council. About 3,400 voters turned out - something less than for the presidential contest last year. Measure L passed by a wide margin, so the Library will carry on with its great programming. And hey, let's not forget about the two candidates who completely swept their categories - Sally Kilby and Vic Robinette ran for City Clerk and City Treasurer - and they each got huge community support, winning 100% of the vote! (Okay, so they were unopposed . . .) Thanks to Sally and Vic for their public service. Election results can be viewed at http://rrccmain.co.la.ca.us/0019_CityContests_Frame.htm

Shop Locally!

As the holiday season approaches, please support your local merchants. Now only do they offer more personalized service and unique products, but they keep more of your money in the local economy, studies have shown. About 60 cents of every dollar stays local - meaning it is spent on other local support services and suppliers, whereas corporate stores often send their money back to HQ for centralized services such as accounting, purchasing, and so on. Shop locally! In fact, mark your calendars for November 14 and check out the block on Mission from Fair Oaks to Mound Ave. for an open house and block party with some really great deals!

Vision Rialto Report Available

A new website is online with neat-o research on The Rialto. Check it out, and if you have photos, insights or updates, let me know! www.rialtosouthpasadena.com

The Portantino Briganti Connection Tomorrow

Anthony Portantino, State Assemblymember repping South Pas, will be at Briganti on Tuesday 10/20 for lunch. Join us! It's 20 bucks. Lunch and lots of other stuff to chew on from Sacramento. Starts at 12 noon in Braganti, accross from City Hall. (Thanks, Nanni!) More info at www.southpaschamber.com

Rotary Rocks!

Just came from a San Marino/South Pas Rotary Chili cook-off fundraiser that was a blast. Hosted by Jeff Burke and Lorraine Triolo, it was to raise funds for a project to build a home for a family in Mexico. Great cause. Great chili. Plus I won a raffle prize . . . so I'm really happy! Hats off to the Rotarians in town(s). This was a great event.

City Council Candidates Forum on Cable Channel 19

Here's the blog post I promised at the close of the Candidates forum. Who you gonna vote for now? What did you think of their answers? For a repeat of the 1-hour forum, tune in to Cable Chanel 19 in South Pasadena. The replay will repeat on a loop between now and November 3rd, except when City Council and Planning Commission meetings are broadcast live.

City Council Candidates Questions

Tomorrow, Wednesday October 14th, the Chamber will host a candidates forum for City Council elections in South Pasadena, CA. Three candidates are running for two seats. What should we be asking these guys?

Paris in South Pasadena

Carlos Chavez-Andonegui presented South Pasadena City Council with a black and white painting of Paris - a donation to the City from the bustling new gallery on Fremont Ave. across from Carrow's. Created by a local resident of international acclaim, Roberto Gutierrez, the piece was part of a recent exhibition at The Fremont Gallery of Fine Art. It was part of the recent ArtsFest. But if you missed it, here's a quick video of that show. http://www.fremontgallery.com/files/Roberto_G.Paris.2.mp4.

Safety Tips for Your Business

Detective Richard Lee spoke to Chamber Members at this morning's breakfast at Mike & Anne's. The South Pasadena Police have a great response time, and he detailed several recent crimes and discussed best practices for business owners/managers. One new bit of news - it's now quicker to call 9-1-1 from your cell phone in an emergency than to call the dispatcher direct. The system now goes directly from the callers cell phone to the local dispatcher, as technology has improved. (It does not give the dispatcher an exact location, like land-lines do. But it'll get you the local police when you need them quick.)

Another reminder - by filling out the Business Information Form, including emergency contact info and key person identities, you can greatly expedite Police effectiveness if they ever have to respond to your emergency. Just go to the Police Station at 1414 Mission Street and ask for the form.

City of Trees. Sea of Paintings.

Over 100 paintings of South Pasadena trees, landscapes and notable street scenes were created by visiting and local artists in September. Twenty seven of them have been juried into a special exhibit “South Pasadena, City of Trees” at SoPas Gallery of the South Pasadena Chamber of Commerce. The show will open Saturday, October 10th with an artists reception. Come on by! 6pm to 9pm. It's free.


Paintings include tree-lined canopy streets, the Arroyo Seco and the big Morton Bay Fig next to the library. The Fair Oaks Pharmacy and Nicoles caught the eye of a couple of painters, as did a few landmark homes.  Hats off to the California Art Club members! These folks travelled from Orange County, Thousand Oaks, various points in LA, and all over the place - several times (painting day, drop off day, exhibition day . . .) In speaking with them, they love South Pasadena’s ambiance and they love the experience of this particular Plein Air Paint-out, sponsored by your very own, artistically inclined and community-centric Chamber of Commerce.

One other bit of trivia - The California Art Club was founded in South Pasadena in 1909. Many artists are local members, as is the club’s Managing Director, Lisa Cavelier.

Awesome Ostrich Awards. Yipee!

Well, we announced the annual “Awesome Ostrich Awards” and we're planning a big party to show them all off. The awards will be given to deserving businesses at the annual Board Installation, which is happening on Friday, October 9^th this year. Nine awards will be bestowed, along with one special lifetime achievement award for Bill Ericson, publisher of The Quarterly and The hometown paper that's been with us since 1888 - The South Pasadena Review.

We give the awards to spotlight unique and successful businesses. Gary Pia, outgoing Chair, and yours truly sat down over sushi and reviewed candidates and nominees. It's always hard to choose from so many clear winners, but it's also fun and rewarding. A complete list is online now at www.southpaschamber.com.

Yes, we really do hand out a giant egg to the Ambassador of the Year!

Tax Deadline Approaching October 15, 2009

This just in from Chamber Member Stanislawski and Company: If you filed an extension for your 2008 individual income tax returns – the due date to file is October 15, 2009.
The 2009 Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) has been WAIVED (and you don’t have to “make-up” for it in tax year 2010)! If you are over age 70½ you are usually required to take a minimum distribution from your employer-provided qualified retirement plans, IRAs and/or individual retirement annuities, but for tax year 2009 this has been waived. If you’ve already received your RMD you can return it by November 30, 2009 (and avoid paying the tax). To learn more about the 2009 RMD – see our September-October newsletter.
Stanislawski sends out a bi-monthly newsletter on many different tax and financial subjects, and you can contact them to be on this list. We also have other accounting firms and CPA's who are Chamber Members - perhaps you want to give them a call if you have questions. Find complete contact info online at http://www.southpaschamber.com/ in the section called "Find a Business". Or call your own accountant . . . and if they are not Chamber Members, ask 'em why not! Chamber Membership and Tax Deadlines make the world go 'round, right?
For help or more information from Stanislawski, visit their site at http://www.stanislawskiandcompany.com/. Go to Contact Us to be added to their newsletter mailing or to set-up an appointment.

New Businesses in South Pasadena

Just a quick look at some exciting new businesses in town on Mission Street between the Gold Line and Fair Oaks Ave. While the recession seems to linger worldwide, there is optimism and change in the town that "would prefer not to" . . .

Here are a few to watch: The Chocolate Box is under new ownership. Stop in and say hi to Yvette-Jenine Pardo. Common Thread Studio at 1011A Mission. Creative Director Jin Kim sells fun stuff and teaches. Play area for toddlers. Jasleen is accross the street in the 1020 building. And just east of that you'll see Videotheque relocating, Bellini resizing and Zinnia opening a brand new space. Accross the street Great Harvest Bread is under construction. An email sent by owner Patricia Diaz today targeted November as opening month. Mission Ten Eleven is Ernie Hernandez - okay, so it's not brand new. But I bet many of you have not seen it yet. Stop in and tell him the Chamber sent ya. Finally, take a look at The Jane & Joe Shoppe. New owner Robin Guzman bought the boutique and is offering "Chic Clothing at Ooh La La Prices!" Robin has energy and enthusiasm and has been a terrific and tireless promoter of the upcoming ArtsFest.

This post wasn't meant to be a promo so much as a prompt. Look around! There's an energy and a spirit on Mission Street in South Pasadena, even in these tough times. So take a minute and check it out. Shop local if you live here, and shop here if you don't!

$2,500 for Small Employers for Return to Work Expenses

Here's money for small employers (50 or less) who have spent money to get an employee back to work. If you've purchased equipment or furniture, tools or made any other adjustments to accommodate an injured worker so they can return to work, you can get reimbursed. Just check out the details at this link on our website.

City Council Candidates Forum Wed., October 14

Three contenders are running for two seats on the South Pasadena City Council. What should we be asking of them? The elections are November 3rd, and the Chamber will host a Candidates Forum to see where the candidates stand on key issues.

Post a comment here. Email the Chamber. Or stop in at 1121 Mission Street and let us know. What's on your mind? Downtown Revitalization? Traffic? The Economy? Infrastructure repairs, revenue streams and government services? If you give us the issues - we'll check the pulses . . .

The Candidates Forum is on Wednesday, October 14th before a live audience in City Council Chambers at 1414 Mission Street in South Pasadena. Channel 19 will also cover the event. Prior to the forum, a meet and greet will be hosted by Reimagine Your Home at 1518 Mission Street, from 6:00 to 7:00. Both events are free.

Special thanks to BurkeTriolo Studios, Shaw, Moses, Mendenhall & Associates, The Gas Company and Athens Services as well as Reimagine Your Home for making this event possible.

ArtsFest Saturday, October 3

ArtsFest is coming soon. Eight galleries. Two stages with live music. Food beer & wine garden. Merchnts open houses. And more!

Merchants interested in the details of participation give us a call at the office. we have maps with entertainment schedules for distribution, and we can connect you with an artist if you'd like to give up a bit of space on your floor for the evening! Liz Reday will be at ReImagine Your Home, and Bonnie Lewis is featured at Family Fair. Book 'Em Mysteries will have author signings. And Dinosaur Farm is having a terrific sale, as is The Jane & Joe Shoppe. New kids on the block Barbara Goldeen and John Selmer have a special exhibit planned with an artisan who has never ventured into California before. I'm sure there's much more planned. Wait! We're the ones planning this. Well, that's why I'm sure of it . . . there's always more. In fact, feel free to post it here if you've got some news for us on your plans for ArtsFest.

With ArtsFest we're continuing to support the arts in South Pasadena, and we're doing it in a way that we hope builds the local economy by attracting people from across the San Gabriel Valley, as well as our own residents.

Attendees who seek more info on the event - visit our webste: www.SouthPasadena.net.

Got Blog?

Well, we do now! Here's the Chamber's new newsletter. It's interactive, and we'll keep it timely, and full of news for you. And news from you, if you post!

The Chamber, like all our members, has been cost-cutting and comparison shopping in every way to ride out this recession. So, we stopped printing and mailing our snail-mail newsletter. We'd like to bring it back - but we're spending the dollars on marketing, events and promotion.

Meanwhile, enjoy!