Coastal Commission holds final hearing on Carlsbad Desalination Project
The California Coastal Commission will hold a public hearing at 9 a.m. Aug. 6 and vote to finalize approval for Poseidon Resources' Carlsbad Desalination Project.
The hearing will take place in the council chamber at Oceanside City Hall, 300 N. Coast Highway. It is expected to bring an end to the commission's two-year approval process.
Last November, the commission approved the project's coastal development permit and attached two conditions to the permit with Poseidon's consent. As part of Poseidon's efforts to make the desalination facility the most environmentally-sensitive and energy efficient project possible, the company developed an energy minimization and green house gas reduction plan and a marine life mitigation plan that address the permit's additional conditions.
Poseidon will restore up to 42.5 acres of wetland habitat and also has committed to serve as the steward of the Agua Hedionda Lagoon once the Encina Power Station is fully decommissioned. The Carlsbad Desalination Plant will be the first major infrastructure project in the state to voluntarily eliminate its net carbon footprint.
For more information, visit www.carlsbad-desal.com.
Preventing knockoffs seminar Sept. 9
Prevent knockoffs and protect your brand by learning the best practices to effectively combat this costly industry problem at a seminar from 7 to 9 a.m. Sept. 9 at the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce, 5934 Priestly Drive.
The presentation will explore the differences between patents, trademarks, copyrights and trade secrets, also know as intellectual property, and how to use them to protect your products. As experienced attorneys specializing in national and worldwide protection, Kathleen Pasulka-Brown and Lisel Ferguson of Procopio, Cory, Hargreaves & Savitch LLP, have the tools to protect your brand, reputation, product design and Web sites.
They will introduce proven methods for product registration and enforcement. The discussion will include case studies relevant to the action sports industry.
The cost is $25 for chamber members and $40 for non-members. Those who want to attend must register in advance by contacting Sarah Castiglione at (760) 931-8400 or [email protected].
CB Richard Ellis helps bring Mercedes-Benz to Carlsbad
CB Richard Ellis represented Mercedes-Benz Research & Development during its $6.9 million purchase of the 34,799-square-foot R&D building at 2250 Rutherford Road, Carlsbad.
Mercedes-Benz Research & Development's Advanced Design Studio was located in Irvine and relocated to the Carlsbad facility in July. The new Carlsbad location is more than twice the size of the company's Irvine facility and will employ approximately 25 people.
The building is formerly the home of Chrysler's design center. Mercedes-Benz has three other design studios in Japan, Italy and Germany.
Jet Source acquires Western Flight
Jet Source, a full-service aviation firm headquartered at McClellan-Palomar Airport in Carlsbad, has acquired Western Flight.
Western Flight, an existing Fixed Base Operator based at Palomar Airport, was founded in 1982 and is known within the industry as the top choice of pilots for its warm and welcoming feel. The company boasts the largest ramp on the airport's field and provides more than 30,000 square feet of hangar space.
With the addition of Western Flight, Jet Source continues to increase its leadership within the private air travel industry.
"Our union has been underway for some time and we're pleased to now officially share this news," said Frank Milian, president and COO of Jet Source and Western Flight.
Established in 1997, Jet Source is a nationally recognized business aviation center and is the only facility in California having the internal capabilities to support the operational needs of corporate aircraft at one location. For more information, visit www.jetsource.com.
Heritage Ball celebrates 25th anniversary
The 25th Anniversary Heritage Ball at Mission San Luis Rey will take place on Aug. 23.
The fundraiser allows the mission to carry on an educational, historical and cultural presence in the greater community while offering guests a memorable evening. The event will include cocktails in the mission's Sacred Garden, a gourmet dinner, delectable desserts and dancing until midnight to the music of a big-band orchestra.
Known as the King of the Missions, this National Historic Landmark was founded in 1798 and is the largest of the 21 California missions. It is open to people of all faiths and offers a wide range of facilities and services to the community.
For more information or reservations, visit www.sanluisrey.org or call (760) 757-3651, ext. 164.
Mellace Family Brands extends line of snacks
Mellace Family Brands, a snack food innovator known for its diverse products, has launched two new lines.
Mama Mellace's Naturals are healthy nut and fruit snacks that are oven-roasted for more crunch with no butter, cholesterol, trans fat preservatives or added oils. Mama Mellace's Chocolates, a line extension of chocolate covered nuts to its Mama Mellace's Old World Treats brand, are chocolate covered snacks featuring some of the brand's signature flavored almonds.
The new lines enrich the lives of others through the Mama Cares Foundation, which seeks to transform lives and provide assistance to individuals and families in poverty. A portion of each purchase aids in feeding the hungry, sheltering the homeless and offering hope to those in need.
Based in Carlsbad, Mellace Family Brands was founded in 2001. For more information, visit www.mellacefamilybrands.com.
LEGOLAND California rides green wave to recycle 212 tons
In just one year, LEGOLAND California's commitment to going green has saved 212 tons of materials from going into landfills, which is nearly 20 school busses worth of recycling.
In June of 2007, the family theme park launched the Green Wave Committee, a group of 18 employees with representatives from every department in the park who are dedicated to creating a cleaner, more eco-friendly environment. Between June 2007 and June 2008, LEGOLAND California recycled 160 tons of paper and cardboard, 18 tons of wood, 14 tons of plastic, 10 tons of green waste, 8 tons of metal and 2 tons of electronic waste.
The committee is working with San Diego Habitat for Humanity and its Cans for Habitat program to raise funds to help build an 11-unit condominium complex in Carlsbad. All aluminum cans collected from park guests and employees are being donated to the program.
The park has had green initiatives for years, including water recycling, eco-friendly pest and rodent control, diverting water from storm drains and using sustainable packaging for food items made in the park.
For more information, visit www.LEGOLAND.com.
More than 1.2 million people visit San Diego County Fair
The 21-day San Diego County Fair wrapped up last month with 1,235,698 guests that enjoyed the attractions, shows, exhibits, food and rides.
The largest average daily attendance during the fair was recorded at 87,176 on July 4, which is the eighth largest day in the fair's history. The largest single-day attendance ever was July 3, 1998, with 101,867 visitors.
Had the fair been open its standard 22 days, it would have broken the record attendance set in 2007 with 1,265,997 guests. The fair opened a day late due to the U.S. Open at Torrey Pines.
The San Diego County Fair is the fifth largest fair in the nation and is the largest annual event in San Diego County. The 2009 fair will run from June 12 through July 5.
For more information, visit www.sdfair.com.
eVisibility subsidizes employee fuel costs
eVisibility Inc., an Internet marketing agency with more than 35 employees, has established a gas subsidy program for all of its San Diego and Riverside county employees.
Beginning July 1, the program capped the price of gas at $2.25 per gallon. When San Diego gas prices were hitting $4.60 a gallon, eVisibility employees driving from south San Diego were spending an average of $369 per month on fuel to make the estimated 73 mile roundtrip commute to the company's headquarters in Carlsbad.
The gas subsidy program works by paying the difference between the cost of gas at the beginning of each month and a set price of $2.25 per gallon. If gas prices are near $4.60 per gallon, those with a longer commute receive approximately $190 while those with the shorter commute receive about $50.
eVisibility estimates the program will cost between $45,000 and $55,000 for the first year. The company also plans to soon provide incentives for those who carpool, move closer to the office or buy fuel efficient cars.
For more information, visit www.eVisibility.com.
Chamber member publishes fiction novel
Oceanside resident Henry "Hank" Jordan's new book "No More An Island" tells how the people in an isolated Southern town undergo dramatic changes in beliefs and lifestyle during tumultuous times between 1920 and 1941, when cars and trucks began to replace horses, wagons and trains.
Recently published by Infinity Publishing, the book tells a fictitious love story about young Jake Johnson who flees his family's small farm and rides in a railroad box car to Oakswood, where he soon sweeps Mary Lou off of her feet. They elope in his Model A Ford while being chased by her father, the sheriff. He later becomes a successful automobile dealer and a town leader. The story unfolds through the vibrant and colorful episodes of Mary Lou's large family.
For more information, visit www.nomoreanisland.com.
CSUSM Extended Learning serves military community
California State University San Marcos is the first CSU campus to receive approval from the Service Member Opportunity College Marine Corps, or SOCMAR, to offer its bachelor's degree in kinesiology.
The SOCMAR degree network consists of colleges and universities that offer associate and bachelor's degree programs accessible to Marine Corps installations worldwide. These colleges have joined together to form a network that accepts credits from each other.
This guarantees that Marine Corps students can continue their progress toward degree completion even if the Marine Corps transfers them. The Cal State San Marcos Extended Learning kinesiology degree will be offered for the first time this fall semester on the Camp Pendleton Marine Corps base.
The degree prepares students for a wide variety of careers in the areas of rehabilitation, wellness, fitness and education. The degree program takes 63units to complete and can be finished in approximately three years.
For more information, visit www.csusm.edu/el/kinesiology or call (760) 750-4020.
Chamber member releases her first book
Brenda Geiger, founder of Geiger Law Office, has released her first book entitled "What Every San Diego Parent Must Know to Protect Their Family 'The Ultimate Guide to Estate Planning for San Diego Parents.'"
Written to guide parents on the seemingly daunting, yet essential, responsibility of estate planning, the book offers a variety of tools to educate parents on how to choose an estate planning attorney, protect family assets, safeguard loved ones and more. Geiger partnered with fellow attorney and colleague Myrna Arroyo to develop this educational how to manual.
Geiger Law Office provides estate planning, trust and estate administration, business succession planning, asset protection and corporate formation services to San Diego County families. For more information, visit www.geigerlawoffice.net.
The California Coastal Commission will hold a public hearing at 9 a.m. Aug. 6 and vote to finalize approval for Poseidon Resources' Carlsbad Desalination Project.
The hearing will take place in the council chamber at Oceanside City Hall, 300 N. Coast Highway. It is expected to bring an end to the commission's two-year approval process.
Last November, the commission approved the project's coastal development permit and attached two conditions to the permit with Poseidon's consent. As part of Poseidon's efforts to make the desalination facility the most environmentally-sensitive and energy efficient project possible, the company developed an energy minimization and green house gas reduction plan and a marine life mitigation plan that address the permit's additional conditions.
Poseidon will restore up to 42.5 acres of wetland habitat and also has committed to serve as the steward of the Agua Hedionda Lagoon once the Encina Power Station is fully decommissioned. The Carlsbad Desalination Plant will be the first major infrastructure project in the state to voluntarily eliminate its net carbon footprint.
For more information, visit www.carlsbad-desal.com.
Preventing knockoffs seminar Sept. 9
Prevent knockoffs and protect your brand by learning the best practices to effectively combat this costly industry problem at a seminar from 7 to 9 a.m. Sept. 9 at the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce, 5934 Priestly Drive.
The presentation will explore the differences between patents, trademarks, copyrights and trade secrets, also know as intellectual property, and how to use them to protect your products. As experienced attorneys specializing in national and worldwide protection, Kathleen Pasulka-Brown and Lisel Ferguson of Procopio, Cory, Hargreaves & Savitch LLP, have the tools to protect your brand, reputation, product design and Web sites.
They will introduce proven methods for product registration and enforcement. The discussion will include case studies relevant to the action sports industry.
The cost is $25 for chamber members and $40 for non-members. Those who want to attend must register in advance by contacting Sarah Castiglione at (760) 931-8400 or [email protected].
CB Richard Ellis helps bring Mercedes-Benz to Carlsbad
CB Richard Ellis represented Mercedes-Benz Research & Development during its $6.9 million purchase of the 34,799-square-foot R&D building at 2250 Rutherford Road, Carlsbad.
Mercedes-Benz Research & Development's Advanced Design Studio was located in Irvine and relocated to the Carlsbad facility in July. The new Carlsbad location is more than twice the size of the company's Irvine facility and will employ approximately 25 people.
The building is formerly the home of Chrysler's design center. Mercedes-Benz has three other design studios in Japan, Italy and Germany.
Jet Source acquires Western Flight
Jet Source, a full-service aviation firm headquartered at McClellan-Palomar Airport in Carlsbad, has acquired Western Flight.
Western Flight, an existing Fixed Base Operator based at Palomar Airport, was founded in 1982 and is known within the industry as the top choice of pilots for its warm and welcoming feel. The company boasts the largest ramp on the airport's field and provides more than 30,000 square feet of hangar space.
With the addition of Western Flight, Jet Source continues to increase its leadership within the private air travel industry.
"Our union has been underway for some time and we're pleased to now officially share this news," said Frank Milian, president and COO of Jet Source and Western Flight.
Established in 1997, Jet Source is a nationally recognized business aviation center and is the only facility in California having the internal capabilities to support the operational needs of corporate aircraft at one location. For more information, visit www.jetsource.com.
Heritage Ball celebrates 25th anniversary
The 25th Anniversary Heritage Ball at Mission San Luis Rey will take place on Aug. 23.
The fundraiser allows the mission to carry on an educational, historical and cultural presence in the greater community while offering guests a memorable evening. The event will include cocktails in the mission's Sacred Garden, a gourmet dinner, delectable desserts and dancing until midnight to the music of a big-band orchestra.
Known as the King of the Missions, this National Historic Landmark was founded in 1798 and is the largest of the 21 California missions. It is open to people of all faiths and offers a wide range of facilities and services to the community.
For more information or reservations, visit www.sanluisrey.org or call (760) 757-3651, ext. 164.
Mellace Family Brands extends line of snacks
Mellace Family Brands, a snack food innovator known for its diverse products, has launched two new lines.
Mama Mellace's Naturals are healthy nut and fruit snacks that are oven-roasted for more crunch with no butter, cholesterol, trans fat preservatives or added oils. Mama Mellace's Chocolates, a line extension of chocolate covered nuts to its Mama Mellace's Old World Treats brand, are chocolate covered snacks featuring some of the brand's signature flavored almonds.
The new lines enrich the lives of others through the Mama Cares Foundation, which seeks to transform lives and provide assistance to individuals and families in poverty. A portion of each purchase aids in feeding the hungry, sheltering the homeless and offering hope to those in need.
Based in Carlsbad, Mellace Family Brands was founded in 2001. For more information, visit www.mellacefamilybrands.com.
LEGOLAND California rides green wave to recycle 212 tons
In just one year, LEGOLAND California's commitment to going green has saved 212 tons of materials from going into landfills, which is nearly 20 school busses worth of recycling.
In June of 2007, the family theme park launched the Green Wave Committee, a group of 18 employees with representatives from every department in the park who are dedicated to creating a cleaner, more eco-friendly environment. Between June 2007 and June 2008, LEGOLAND California recycled 160 tons of paper and cardboard, 18 tons of wood, 14 tons of plastic, 10 tons of green waste, 8 tons of metal and 2 tons of electronic waste.
The committee is working with San Diego Habitat for Humanity and its Cans for Habitat program to raise funds to help build an 11-unit condominium complex in Carlsbad. All aluminum cans collected from park guests and employees are being donated to the program.
The park has had green initiatives for years, including water recycling, eco-friendly pest and rodent control, diverting water from storm drains and using sustainable packaging for food items made in the park.
For more information, visit www.LEGOLAND.com.
More than 1.2 million people visit San Diego County Fair
The 21-day San Diego County Fair wrapped up last month with 1,235,698 guests that enjoyed the attractions, shows, exhibits, food and rides.
The largest average daily attendance during the fair was recorded at 87,176 on July 4, which is the eighth largest day in the fair's history. The largest single-day attendance ever was July 3, 1998, with 101,867 visitors.
Had the fair been open its standard 22 days, it would have broken the record attendance set in 2007 with 1,265,997 guests. The fair opened a day late due to the U.S. Open at Torrey Pines.
The San Diego County Fair is the fifth largest fair in the nation and is the largest annual event in San Diego County. The 2009 fair will run from June 12 through July 5.
For more information, visit www.sdfair.com.
eVisibility subsidizes employee fuel costs
eVisibility Inc., an Internet marketing agency with more than 35 employees, has established a gas subsidy program for all of its San Diego and Riverside county employees.
Beginning July 1, the program capped the price of gas at $2.25 per gallon. When San Diego gas prices were hitting $4.60 a gallon, eVisibility employees driving from south San Diego were spending an average of $369 per month on fuel to make the estimated 73 mile roundtrip commute to the company's headquarters in Carlsbad.
The gas subsidy program works by paying the difference between the cost of gas at the beginning of each month and a set price of $2.25 per gallon. If gas prices are near $4.60 per gallon, those with a longer commute receive approximately $190 while those with the shorter commute receive about $50.
eVisibility estimates the program will cost between $45,000 and $55,000 for the first year. The company also plans to soon provide incentives for those who carpool, move closer to the office or buy fuel efficient cars.
For more information, visit www.eVisibility.com.
Chamber member publishes fiction novel
Oceanside resident Henry "Hank" Jordan's new book "No More An Island" tells how the people in an isolated Southern town undergo dramatic changes in beliefs and lifestyle during tumultuous times between 1920 and 1941, when cars and trucks began to replace horses, wagons and trains.
Recently published by Infinity Publishing, the book tells a fictitious love story about young Jake Johnson who flees his family's small farm and rides in a railroad box car to Oakswood, where he soon sweeps Mary Lou off of her feet. They elope in his Model A Ford while being chased by her father, the sheriff. He later becomes a successful automobile dealer and a town leader. The story unfolds through the vibrant and colorful episodes of Mary Lou's large family.
For more information, visit www.nomoreanisland.com.
CSUSM Extended Learning serves military community
California State University San Marcos is the first CSU campus to receive approval from the Service Member Opportunity College Marine Corps, or SOCMAR, to offer its bachelor's degree in kinesiology.
The SOCMAR degree network consists of colleges and universities that offer associate and bachelor's degree programs accessible to Marine Corps installations worldwide. These colleges have joined together to form a network that accepts credits from each other.
This guarantees that Marine Corps students can continue their progress toward degree completion even if the Marine Corps transfers them. The Cal State San Marcos Extended Learning kinesiology degree will be offered for the first time this fall semester on the Camp Pendleton Marine Corps base.
The degree prepares students for a wide variety of careers in the areas of rehabilitation, wellness, fitness and education. The degree program takes 63units to complete and can be finished in approximately three years.
For more information, visit www.csusm.edu/el/kinesiology or call (760) 750-4020.
Chamber member releases her first book
Brenda Geiger, founder of Geiger Law Office, has released her first book entitled "What Every San Diego Parent Must Know to Protect Their Family 'The Ultimate Guide to Estate Planning for San Diego Parents.'"
Written to guide parents on the seemingly daunting, yet essential, responsibility of estate planning, the book offers a variety of tools to educate parents on how to choose an estate planning attorney, protect family assets, safeguard loved ones and more. Geiger partnered with fellow attorney and colleague Myrna Arroyo to develop this educational how to manual.
Geiger Law Office provides estate planning, trust and estate administration, business succession planning, asset protection and corporate formation services to San Diego County families. For more information, visit www.geigerlawoffice.net.