Special Kids Sock Hop Hosted by the Elks Lodge #2444 Mission Viejo/Saddleback Valley

Elk event chairman Ray Mallen gives a little love to guests Marge Carlson, and Rick Bacon.

Elk of the Year Laura Lumley dances with special guest Michael Douglas.

Lodge President Pat Martino takes guest Nicole Butler for a spin around the dance floor.

The Mission Viejo/Saddleback Valley Elks Lodge #2444 held its annual summer “Sock Hop” on July 17th. Over 200 mentally handicapped and downs syndrome Special Kids, danced and ate and partied like any other 7- 10 year olds, despite the fact some were in their 50’s and some were in wheel chairs. They rocked and rolled like never before. The ever popular band the “High Hopes” (mentally challenged themselves) were the afternoon’s entertainment. The dance floor was filled all day. Thirty-two volunteers from the Lodge came out to help with the cooking, serving and chaperoning led by event chairman, Lodge Officer, Ray Mallen. There were too many helpers to name individually but without them this marvelous event would not have occurred. Elks Care….Elks Share.

The “Special Kids Sock Hop” is one of two held each year for the kids. The Special Kids also see Santa Claus at a Special Kids Christmas party in December. Other events the Elks sponsor are a Cancer Kids Carnival which annually hosts 100 - 120 kids with cancer or surviving cancer. Regular trips to the Long Beach Veterans Hospital are also well supported by the Elks volunteers, and Norm Murray Senior Center dinner dances take place twice a year. The Lodge donates to the Saddleback Valley’s first responders as well, with a trained Police Dog donated to the Mission Viejo Police Department a couple of years ago. The dog (officer) is in service today serving the residents of Mission Viejo. It was the third such donation of a police dog to Orange County police services.

The Mission Viejo/Saddleback Valley Elks have been serving the Saddleback Valley for 40 years and award Scholarships annually to local college bound students. Dictionaries are given to every 3rd grader in the Saddleback Valley annually, all funded by Elks Charities. Lodge 2444 recently appeared, 142 members strong, in the Lake Forest Independence Parade proudly displaying their new Elk Statue which was acquired through private donations of the membership and will be soon dedicated and placed at the entrance of the Lodge located at Marguerite Parkway in Mission Viejo.

The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks is a national organization dedicated to its principles Charity, Justice, Brotherly Love and Fidelity. They have been doing such works for well over 100 years. Contributing largely to these works of charity is the Mission Viejo/Saddleback Valley Elk’s Charity Bingo which is held every Wed. night at the Lodge. The proceeds fund many charitable causes and events. For information about the Elks Charities, Elks Bingo or membership in the Order, contact the Elks at (949) 830-ELKS (3557)

Link: http://www.cityofalisoviejo.com

Helen Wilson

Helen Wilson, who has worked as Aliso Viejo's community services director since its July 2001 incorporation, will retire from the post in October.

The recruitment for her replacement is currently underway.

After almost a decade in the post, Wilson is credited with complementing the City Council's vision for a vibrant community that offers an array of beneficial recreation, community service and social services programs along with special events that cater to people of all ages.

Wilson has overseen and expanded operations at the Aliso Viejo Family Resource Center, assisted with the implementation of programs at the Aliso Viejo Boys & Girls Club branch and worked with numerous non-profit organizations on grant funding and community volunteer projects. She helped set up operations at the Aliso Viejo Aquatic Center and Conference Center, which opened to the community in 2009. She has helped to launch special city events such as the popular Founder's Day Fair in September, Snow Fest in November and Twilight Camp in the spring, among many other community endeavors.

"Working for the City of Aliso Viejo and carrying out the vision of the City Council has been a very enjoyable experience and I am proud to have had an opportunity to share in the growth and development of this wonderful community," Wilson said. "I will miss working with City Manager Mark Pulone and the management team but look forward to the time I'll be able to spend with family and friends and traveling to new places."

Detailed information regarding the Community Services Director position is available on the city's website at www.cityofalisoviejo.com. The deadline for submitting applications is 5:00 p.m. Aug. 19.

Link: http://www.cityofalisoviejo.com

Deputy Mike Tanabe

On Wednesday, July 21, the City Council recognized Deputy Mike Tanabe - Aliso Viejo's 2006 Deputy of the Year - for his seven years of service to the city.

Tanabe served Aliso Viejo from August 2003 until last month when he was promoted to the rank of investigator. He currently works in the department's Economic Crimes Unit. During his Aliso Viejo tenure, he was as a member of the Critical Incident Response Team, Bike Patrol Team and Selected Enforcement Team. He was also a field training officer for newly assigned deputies to Aliso Viejo.

It was Tanabe's commitment and service to the city that led to his 2006 recognition by the City Council as Deputy of the Year. For his hard work and efforts, the Mission Viejo/Saddleback Valley Elks Lodge also honored Tanabe that year.

Tanabe was selected to represent Aliso Viejo Police Services in 2007 on the Orange County Sheriff's Directed Enforcement Team (DET), an assignment that required a strong commitment to public safety and a willingness to work in a challenging environment. While assigned to that unit, he received department commendations for his outstanding work.

For more information, visit the city's website at www.cityofalisoviejo.com.

Link: http://www.missionsjc.com

Great Stone Church

Mission San Juan Capistrano is celebrating a new milestone. Membership in the Mission Preservation Society has reached an all-time high of more than 10,000 active members. In a sign of overwhelming support for its goals to protect the religious and historic significance of Orange County’s only mission through ongoing preservation work, to create culturally meaningful events, and to provide inspired hands-on learning, membership in the historic Mission’s Preservation Society grew 39% over the last year.

Mission membership comes from all over the world, but locally, 3.7 percent of members are from Dana Point, 5.2% are from San Clemente, 11.8% are from San Juan Capistrano, and 2.6% are business owners and local merchants.
Specifically, 100 percent of membership funds are directed to the ongoing preservation of the historic Mission, Orange County’s only mission. Along with fundraising and sales of Mission cookbooks, funds raised go toward the conservation of historic paintings, safety and stabilization improvements to walkways, improved exhibits, earthquake safety, protection of artifacts and art displayed throughout the grounds, and much more.

The up-close results of these wonderful preservation-related funds can be seen on the Mission’s new webpage “Save the Mission.” Click on preservation to see reports from the last several years outlining each and every project carried out to date.

The Mission receives no church or state funding, and has to stand alone in its efforts to care for over 3,500 artifacts, a historic site with historic buildings. Staying open is not enough, as we need to take care of this site and do what we can to ensure that we have a proactive preservation strategy. None of this could happen without the public’s generosity and support .
Membership benefits include:
• Free Admission for a Year
• Free Guest Passes (family level +)
• Free Summer Children Activities
• Free Admission to Festivals
• Free Audio Tour
• Discount Off Concert Tickets
• 10 percent Off at the Gift Shop
• Advance Invitation to Attend Exhibit Openings and Private Events
• Annual Report Recognition

Sign up online at http://www.missionsjc.com/store/store.php or if you prefer to to mail in your membership, please download the membership enrollment form – http://www.missionsjc.com/membership/membership_signup.pdf – and mail to:
Mission San Juan Capistrano – Membership Department
26801 Ortega Highway
San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675

The “Jewel of the Missions” is one of the most culturally important venues in Orange County. To help support the Old Mission or for membership questions, call (949) 234-1300.

Link: http://www.lls.org

Greg Trayer

Hardie’s Champions for the Cure, a 2010 Light The Night® Walk team for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Orange County/Inland Empire Chapter (LLS), has drawn 25 members and raised $3,278 to date for cancer research. The team is composed of employees of James Hardie Building Products in Mission Viejo, and is walking in honor of fellow employee and Aliso Viejo resident Greg Trayer, who is a blood cancer survivor. Light The Night will be held on Sunday, September 19, 4 p.m. at Angel Stadium. A second Walk for Inland Empire residents will be held Saturday, October 16, at California Baptist University in Riverside.

Participants seek pledges for the Walk that will support critical programs for cancer patients and research towards a cure.

“We’ve had a lot of enthusiasm among our employees for the cause, and we’re hoping to reach our fundraising goal of $10,000,” remarked Andrea Macpherson, a Mission Viejo resident and James Hardie employee who is serving as walk team captain.

To support Hardie’s Champions for the Cure, visit http://pages.lightthenight.org/ocie/OrangeCo10/Hardie.

Light The Night is LLS’s annual evening fundraising walk held each fall in communities throughout the United States and Canada to raise money for blood cancer research and patient services. Teams of co-workers, families and friends walk together in twilight holding illuminated balloons – white for patients and survivors, red for supporters, and a single gold balloon that represents a loved one lost to cancer. The Walk, which honors and commemorates lives touched by blood cancer, is a community celebration, with music and family activities.

Every walker is encouraged to fundraise. Walkers who raise $100 or more earn the distinction of being a “Champion For Cures” and receive their illuminated balloon, official t-shirt and refreshments at the Walk.
For additional information about the Light The Night Walk, including a message from celebrity spokesperson Tina Fey, please visit www.lightthenight.org/ocie or contact Grace Hinojoza at the Orange County/Inland Empire Chapter at Grace.Hinojoza@lls.org or 714.481.5608.

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) is the world’s largest voluntary health organization dedicated to funding blood cancer research, education and patient services. The mission of LLS is to cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families. Since its founding in 1949, LLS has invested nearly $700 million for research specifically targeting blood cancers. The Orange County/Inland Empire office is located at 765 The City Drive, Suite 260, Orange, CA 92868. Phone: (714) 481.5600. Website: www.lls.org.

Link: http://www.ocean-institute.org

Join the search for the world’s largest animal! The Ocean Institute is offering Blue Whale Safari cruises which take participants to the feeding grounds of the great blues, the world’s largest animal. Cruise dates: August 7 & 21, 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Institute marine biologists lead the cruises aboard the Sea Explorer, which makes use of equipment such as an acoustic array, plankton nets, video microscopes and a sediment sampler.

The cost of the whale watching cruises is $55 ($49 Ocean Institute members). Participants must be age 8 or older, under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult. A continental breakfast will be served; participants should bring a sack lunch. For more information, call (949) 496-2274.

Ocean Education Center Open on Weekends
The Ocean Institute welcomes visitors on Saturdays and Sundays, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., to enjoy ocean-themed exhibits, view hundreds of living ocean animals, and witness shark and jellyfish feedings.

Cost is $6.50 adults, $4.50 children (ages 4-12), Ocean Institute members free. Or, with the purchase of a membership, a family can enjoy year-round free admission, benefit from member-only events and receive discounts on all other programs.

The Institute also offers many exciting programs for children. For information, visit www.ocean-institute.org or call (949) 496-2274.

Link: http://www.ocean-institute.org

Diane & Bob Petrowski of Dana Point.

Bill Steel of Laguna Beach, an Ocean Institute Board Member, serenades the Laguna Playhouse group.

Julia & Kevin McBennett of Long Beach.

Audrey & Mike Morgan of San Juan Capistrano; the Morgans were the Grand Prize $1 million cash winners in the 2007 Ocean Institute Home Raffle.

Members of the Ocean Institute enjoyed a special reception and discounted admission to “Life Could Be a Dream” at the Laguna Playhouse on July 16. The show featured a performance of classic rock songs. Members of the Ocean Institute receive a variety of special benefits and play an important role in advancing the Institute’s mission, ocean preservation through education. Purchase a ticket to the Ocean Institute’s 2010 Laguna Beach Home Raffle and receive a free membership. Information: (949) 496-2274 or www.ocean-institute.org.

Subject: August Laguna Hills Mall Health and Home Show


Dear South County Business Professional:

2010 Is A Good Year for Moving Ahead to Good Health & Prosperity!


*The Women’s Business & Professional Council of O.C. is Proud to Present:

“All About Health and Home”
Exhibition at Laguna Hills Mall

For The Whole Family

Making information on many interesting programs available to the public!

Medical, Dental & More
New Discoveries From Many Sources
Home Improvements At Your Fingertips

Be a vendor at this “One of a Kind” show! We can help you grow your business or profession!


All About Health and Home Show
Laguna Hills Mall
Saturday and Sunday
August 7 and August 8, 2010
$375 per space for two days
We have lowered our price for you!

Contact susan@alisolagunanews.com ASAP to be included.

A check will hold your space.

There is an application/ contract to sign and we will get that to you ASAP by fax or mail.


Hope to see you there!

Susan Espenschied
Publisher
Aliso Laguna News
949.246.2431

*The Women’s Business & Professional Council of OC is owned by Vicki Fowks, an experienced show producer. She has chaired many exhibitions for vendors throughout Southern California.

P.S. www.AlisoLagunaNews.com online is growing every day! Shouldn’t your business be there?

The Dairy Queen of Aliso Viejo is participating in American Dairy Queens Miracle Treat Day on Thursday, August 5, where they will be donating the proceeds of all their Blizzards sold that day to the Children's Miracle Network benefiting the Childrens Hospitals in the area. Please get the word out to all your friends and neighbors. Let's help them make the largest donation ever made by any store in our area!!!

Hi Everyone:
I am writing to you from Manhattan...as we are here for the IMTA Talent & Modeling Convention at the Hilton on Avenue of the Americas. Been an adventure so far! Saturday night we had tornado warnings - lightening, thunder, hail, and it was CRAZY. On the 26th floor and the news warnings said go to the basement!!!! It passed after two hours but was crazy (I'm from NJ and I never had a tornado warning growing up here!)

Update: Check out the Youtube video of Tay Barton. She's here competing and the buzz is buzzing. Agents, Casting Directors, Managers, and Producers are paying close attention to her. She's the next TV star - can just feel it in my bones.

Back home, Nick Roux is getting ready to shoot his big TV show opportunity. He's another one that has that "it" factor.

Gracie Largent is another one getting lots of attention. Tomorrow night we all take a limo and go on the Circle Line tour - we go on the twilight cruise and looking at the lights on all those buildings is amazing - especially the Statue of Liberty. The Jersey Girl in me never goes away.

Cindy Osbrink will be coming to the studio to scout. SHE IS THE ACTUAL AGENT THAT REPRESENTS DAKOTA FANNING AND HER SISTER ELLE! (caps mean excitement not yelling!) This is a REALLY BIG DEAL. Call the studio for dates and info. She is the best of the best and I have been working with her for years. My daughter Brianne was with her agency when she was very young....so DON'T miss this opportunity.

CAMP IS AMAZING. After last week's show we had 10 people re-enroll. This week they are doing Grease! Philip & Brittany are an amazing combo.....

Philip will also be doing another dramatic play.

Hope everyone has a great week. If you have any questions or need info - email me -I read my email around the clock.

ALSO. When I get back we will be doing a parent/new client orientation meeting where we stay until all your questions are answered. Keep eyes peeled for this one!!
Natalie

The Performer's Academy
24310 Moulton Pkwy Ste. I
Laguna Woods, CA 92637
(949)609-1600
theperformersacademy@gmail.com

SEA LIFE™ Aquarium Carlsbad
Celebrates Summer
THE LEGO™ ATLANTIS ADVENTURE
Now Playing!

The all-new LEGO® Atlantis Adventure is now showing in the SEA LIFE Theater! Professor Samantha Rhodes, an archaeologist and expert in ancient languages, has discovered a Triangular Map on the ocean floor, and believes it to be the map to Atlantis. When the story begins, viewers find themselves aboard the Neptune, a state-of-the-art submarine, where the Professor has gathered a top-notch salvage crew.

She briefs the crew on the real reason behind the mission, but before they can voice their displeasure at the farfetched story of Atlantis, the submarine comes under attack by a Giant Crab. Things go from strange to outright bizarre, as the crew finds itself being plummeted to the bottom of an underwater volcano, besieged by a host of mutant sea life, and mentally tested to uncover the secret of the mysterious Glowing Crystals they uncover along the way.

It takes all their strength, willpower, and brainpower to overcome the unknown elements of the ocean’s depths, but if they survive, they might discover the greatest treasure the world has ever known −The Lost City of Atlantis. The 22-minute long LEGO Atlantis Adventure plays several times daily and is included in the price of admission. Kids 3–12 $12, Seniors 60+ $16; Adults $19. Parking $5. Visit www.sealifeus.com or call (760) 918-5346

IT’S A WHALE OF A PROJECT AT SEA LIFE AQUARIUM
Through September

SEA LIFE™ Aquarium Carlsbad at LEGOLAND California Resort joined first graders from Jefferson Elementary School in Carlsbad for “Beach Trash, A Whale of a Problem.” The students collected beach trash including bottle tops, sun glasses, toys, shovels and even a pair of dentures and turned it into a life-sized gray whale mosaic they named “Little Gray”. A 5-minute documentary about the creation of the trash whale follows students as they learn about the effect trash has on our beaches. The documentary airs daily at the Aquarium. "Little Gray" is on display at SEA LIFE through early September. Kids 3–12 $12, Seniors 60+ $16; Adults $19. Parking $5. Visit www.sealifeus.com or call (760) 918-5346

IT’S ALL ABOUT SHARKS!
On-Going

SEA LIFE™ Carlsbad dives deeper into the world of sharks with three new shows! Be a part of a live studio audience in “Shark Talk,” a hilarious and interactive multi-media puppet show featuring host Jay Octo and guest of the Tide Show, Hammy the Hammerhead. Fun ensues when Hammy tries to quench his curiosity with the help of the audience and understand the mysterious lives of humans. Get your feet wet in “The Shark and Ray Adventure” where young guests become marine biologists, assisting an adventurous educator in accumulating field notes while studying the sharks and rays of the Ray Lagoon. And don’t miss “The Daily Dive” and help our exploration diver uncover secrets of the Lost City of Atlantis. Discover fascinating fishy facts, talk to our diver via specialized communication equipment and try on a few scuba signs for size. Kids 3–12 $12, Seniors 60+ $16; Adults $19. Parking $5. Visit www.sealifeus.com or call (760) 918-5346

SEA LIFE™ CARLSBAD ADOPTS CARLSBAD STATE BEACH FOR CALIFORNIA COASTAL CLEANUP DAY
September 25

SEA LIFE™ Aquarium Carlsbad is adopting Carlsbad State Beach for California Coastal Cleanup Day Sept. 25 from 9 a.m. to noon. Employees from SEA LIFE and LEGOLAND® California will join hundreds of volunteers in picking up debris from our local beaches in an effort to improve the overall health of our beaches, bays, parks, canyons and open space areas. California Coastal Cleanup Day covers nearly 80 coastal and inland sites throughout San Diego County and Tijuana. Last year, nearly 10,000 volunteers removed debris like plastic bags, cigarette butts, bottle caps, Styrofoam, straws, food wrappers, discarded clothing, shoes and more from beaches and other sites by the truckload – totaling over 173,000 pounds of trash that could have ended up in our ocean! Coastal Cleanup volunteers are asked to register in advance at www.cleanupday.org for more information on this event and SEA LIFE Aquarium, visit www.sealifeus.com

Submitted By;
Beth Downing Chee

City Accepting Applications For Community Services and Cultural Arts Grants

The City of Laguna Niguel is currently accepting grant applications for community services and cultural arts programs. Highest priority will be given to organizations and programs that provide direct service or benefit to the greatest number of Laguna Niguel residents. Learn more.

Council Recognizes 20th Anniversary Committee and Outgoing Youth Committee Members

The City Council on Tuesday night recognized Members of the 20th Anniversary Committee who helped to plan, organize and coordinate special events in celebration of the City’s 20th Anniversary of incorporation.

December 1, 2009 kicked off the celebrations with a cake cutting ceremony at City Hall.
Since then, the Committee has organized many other events including: a Gala Dinner, a ceremonial Jacaranda Tree Planting and the July 4 Red, White & Blue Fair to name but a few. Tanna Jacob, a local artist, was recognized for her creative talents in designing a special 20th Anniversary logo that was used on all promotional materials to highlight the milestone event.

Outgoing members of the City’s Youth Committee were also recognized for their service to the youth of the community. During their tenure on the Committee, the members participated in and planned numerous events including: Battle of the Bands, volunteering at City’s annual Haunted Trails event, and updating the City’s Teen Website. Each member was given a City plaque in appreciation of their service to the community.

Upcoming Events

July 25
Shakespeare By The Sea – Twelfth Night

July 27
Planning Commission Meeting

August 3
City Council Meeting - CANCELED

MADD Ups the Ante with Celebrity-Studded Poker Tournament "Hold 'Em, Fold
'Em, Save 'Em" Poker Tournament designed to help victims and save lives.

Newport Beach, CA, - Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD)
Orange County is holding its first-ever "Hold 'Em, Fold 'Em, Save 'Em" Poker
Tournament on Saturday, July 31, 2010 at the Tustin Community Center in
Tustin, California. The tournament is designed to raise money to help MADD
support victims of drunk driving, as well as to prevent drunk driving and
underage drinking in Orange County.

Special guests Kelli Gates of the Mark and Brian Morning Show on 95.5 KLOS
Los Angeles and Vince Van Patten, host and commentator for the nationally
televised World Poker Tour and one of Hollywood Poker's leading stars, will
be on-hand at the tournament. Registration begins at 4:00 PM, with
tournament play running from 5:00 - 10:00 PM. Players must be 21 or older
to participate.
"We're thrilled to have Kelli and Vince participate in our first-ever poker
tournament," said Mary Beth Griffin, Executive Director of MADD Orange
County. "With their support, they bring awareness to MADD and its
initiatives of helping drunk driving victims, and preventing drunk driving
and underage drinking here in our community. This is gearing up to be an
exciting, fun-filled event for a very worthy cause."

The cost for the event is $100 for entry, $25 for gallery seats and $50 for
re-buys until 8:00 PM, limited to the first 100 players. The pot will be
based on the event. Sponsorship opportunities ranging from $100 to $7,500
are also available, in addition to $200 program advertisements and $500
victim/survivor sponsorships.
To RSVP for MADD's "Hold 'Em, Fold 'Em, Save 'Em" Poker Tournament, contact
Tiffany Townson at (714) 838-6199 ext. 15. To learn more about the
tournament's sponsorship, advertising and donation opportunities, contact
Desiree Garcia at (714) 838-6199 ext. 11.

The Tustin Community Center is located at 300 Centennial Way, Tustin, CA
92780.

About MADD
MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) is a non-profit organization founded in
1980 by Candace Lightner in Sacramento, California after her daughter was
killed by a drunk driver. The driver who struck and killed her daughter had
two previous convictions for Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) and was out on
bail for a drunk driving hit-and-run only two days prior. Today, MADD has
over 600 local chapters across the United States and is the largest crime
victims' assistance program in the world with more than three million
members and supporters.

Since MADD's inception drunk driving related deaths
have declined by 43 percent. MADD's commitment is to eliminate drunk driving
through public awareness, victim assistance, youth programs, and public
policy. MADD's mission statement "to stop drunk driving, support victims of
this violent crime and prevent underage drinking," is indicative of their
new additional focus on reaching out to the nations' youth.

The City of Aliso Viejo has launched an upgrade and enhancement to its website to better assist restaurants, stores and businesses in Aliso Viejo.

The website improvements include more in-depth information, easier-to-read graphics, a direct connection to a "businesses own" website and a user-friendly interactive map that makes it easier to find Aliso Viejo-based restaurants and business locations.

The improved website is designed to assist local businesses and help stimulate economic activity in the city and was one of Mayor Phil Tsunoda's Top 10 goals unveiled in January.

"The city should do all it can to help our local businesses during this current economic climate," Mayor Tsunoda said. "By making it more convenient for individuals to find out more and better information about the city's businesses, we as a community all benefit."

With only a few simple clicks of a mouse, the user-friendly city site lets individuals obtain information about Aliso Viejo businesses much easier and faster from the convenience of their home, office or PDA.

Click on the map at www.cityofalisoviejo.com and it automatically takes users to the "Restaurant and Shopping Areas" map. Another click on the desired icon and users can access the shopping area of their choice.

The city's interactive site also features information about roadways and bus stops, public facilities, parks and recreation and more.

The enhanced web feature is part of the city's on-going efforts to promote local businesses and provide residents with an array of useful information at the click of a button.

Kelly Tokarski
KT Community Relations

South Orange County Chamber News for July 22, 2010


New Tax Targeting Small Businesses on November ballot?
Learn more at next Legislative Alliance meeting THIS Friday!

Small businesses throughout California and right here in South Orange County are struggling to recover from the Great Recession. Jobs are scarce.

So why would anyone penalize those who are creating the jobs necessary for recovery through the imposition of new taxes on those very jobs!? That’s exactly what opponents say would happen if Proposition 24 passes November 2nd.

Learn more about this important ballot measure at the next meeting of the Legislative Alliance of Southern Orange County (LASOC) this Friday morning at 7:30 a.m.

Oscar Urteaga, Southern California Field Director for the No on 24 – Stop the Jobs Tax – campaign will explain the implications of Proposition 24 and what local businesses can do about it.

This important meeting takes place this coming Friday, July 23rd from 7:30 to 9 a.m. at Saddleback College – 28000 Marguerite Parkway in Mission Viejo, Student Services Center, Room 212. Ample and free parking is available adjacent to the Student Service Center in Lot 5.

States all across the country have been updating their tax laws to attract and grow businesses and jobs during these difficult economic times. This proposition would likely send California down the wrong track at the worst time. Join us as we learn about Proposition 24 and what we as a business community can do about it.

There is no cost to attend. Walk-ins are welcome but RSVPs are requested. Please call Karen at (949) 635-1634 to do so or if you have questions.

Interested in Golfing with Orange County Business Leaders?

The Orange County Business Council hosts its annual Executive Invitational Golf Tournament at Monarch Beach Golf Links Thursday, July 29th. Tournament proceeds benefit OCBC's Latino Educational Attainment Initiative.

For more information, please visit http://www.ocbc.org/events.cfm#GOLF.

New Cox Solutions Store Opening July 31st in Lake Forest

Congratulations to Chairman’s Circle Member Cox Communications for the upcoming opening of the Cox Solutions store in Lake Forest!

A ribbon cutting ceremony will take place Saturday, July 31st at 11:30 a.m. at The Orchards Shopping Center on El Toro Road in Lake Forest.

Upcoming South Orange County Chamber Events

Mark your August calendars for the following South OC Chamber Events:
Technology Breakfast & General Membership Meeting
Thursday, August 5th - 8 to 9:30 a.m.
Microsoft Store – The Shops at Mission Viejo
555 The Shops at Mission Viejo, Mission Viejo, CA

Network OC
Joint Mixer with more than 30 Business Organizations
Thursday, August 19th - 5 to 8 p.m.
Atrium Hotel, Orange County Airport
18700 MacArthur Blvd., Irvine, CA

End of Summer Mixer
Tuesday, August 24th – 5:30 to 7 p.m.
Elephant Bar, Laguna Hills Mall
24155 Laguna Hills Mall, Laguna Hills, CA

Legislative Alliance of Southern Orange County August Meeting
Friday, August 27th – 7:30 to 9 a.m.
Saddleback College, Student Services Center, Room 212
28000 Marguerite Parkway, Mission Viejo, CA

From the Travelzoo Newsdesk:

LOS ANGELES--JULY 22, 2010-- The price of an end-of-summer seven-night cruise to the Mexican Riviera was cut by $150 exclusively for California residents.

Not only does this $479 cruise come with a $50 dining credit (admission for two to one of the ship's specialty restaurants), but the first 20 cabins booked will receive an additional $75 onboard credit per cabin.

This breaks down to just $68 per day for all accommodations, meals and entertainment. The 96-hour sale ends at 9 p.m. PT Sunday.

Depart Aug. 29 on Royal Caribbean's Mariner of the Seas and sail to Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan and Puerto Vallarta. This deal is also available for two December sailings.

About the Ship: Mariner of the Seas has a rock-climbing wall, ice-skating rink and a nine-hole miniature golf course on board. The ship also has several restaurants, bars and lounges and three swimming pools.

To book directly with CruiseDeals.com, click below or call 800-668-6414. After the date is selected, check "California Resident Special" in the top box. If booking by phone, mention fare code "RESA01Z." Taxes are an additional $60 per person.
http://www.travelzoo.com/newsflash/60318285-856423/

---
About Newsflash:
Travelzoo sends a Newsflash email with newsworthy offers to our subscribers just as the deal is released.

Sign up for our free Top 20 Newsletter and Newsflash alerts:
http://www.travelzoo.com/signup/newsflash/

Publisher: Jaime Samuels

The city is accepting applications for its 5th annual Citizens' Leadership Academy, which kicks off this fall.

The six-week leadership academy, which holds about 20 participants, will be held from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Thursdays from September 23 through October 28.

The city offers the academy as a vehicle for residents and business owners to learn about the City's municipal operations and services. The class aims to improve awareness and understanding of the community. Sessions will cover an array of topics including government; police and emergency services; building and engineering; community services; administrative services; planning; public works; and more.

The academy is open to community members 18 years of age and older. To register for the Citizens' Leadership Academy or for more information, contact Director of Administrative Services Glenn Yasui at 949-425-2511 or gyasui@cityofalisoviejo.com.

Kelly Tokarski
KT Community Relations

Saddleback United Soccer Club in conjunction with CAL SOUTH district-3 is proud to announce our 2010 TopSoccer program and schedule. This is a skills based program for kids with special needs where your son or daughter will learn to play soccer in a fun and safe environment from USYS certified coaches. Our 2010 season starts September 13th and run through November. The fees for the 8 week program are $50 and includes a player kit, ball and end of the year trophy. Registration is now open please go to our website www.saddlebackunited.org and click on the TopSoccer link.

2010 Schedule: Dates: Sept. 13th – Nov. 1st *, Time: 4:00 pm - 4:45 pm (every Monday)
Cost: $50 (including kit), Location: Viejo Elem. Mission Viejo
Registration Online www.saddlebackunited.org
Contact: Program Chair: George Castillo, vintagepak@aol.com,
USYS certified TopSoccer coach: Toki Rathor, trathor@gmail.com

About us: Saddleback United Soccer Club established in 2006 by US Soccer Hall of Fame inductee Joy Fawcett to create a unique soccer environment that combines excellent soccer training and a commitment to positive coaching.
Ultimately, we believe that in order to enable players to reach their full potential in soccer, we must help them develop a solid foundation that comes from personal character, relationships, excellent soccer fundamentals, understanding of the mental aspects of the game and most importantly a true love for the game of soccer. In our opinion, youth soccer is not about winning games or championships. Rather it is about using the game to teach our kids some of the skills necessary to be successful in life, more info email us info@saddlebackunited.org

Toki Rathor
Tournament Director
Saddleback summer Classic
www.saddlebacksummerclassic.com
Register your team now

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“Morning Breeze Cruise” Features
Music, Opportunity to View Ocean Wildlife

Dana Point, CALIF. – The Ocean Institute joins with Jazz! FM 88.5 KSBR radio regularly to present a “Morning Breeze Cruise.” Visitors enjoy a two and one-half hour marine mammal cruise off the coast of Dana Point while listening to an eclectic blend of relaxing music mixed live to enhance your voyage.
Upcoming cruise dates: Sunday, August 15 & September 19, 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Cost $35 adults, $22 for children ages 4-12 (Ocean Institute members $22 adult, $19 child). Includes weekend admission to the Ocean Education Center. Cruise information and reservations: visit www.ocean-institute.org or call (949) 496-2274, dial “0” for the operator.

Founded in 1977, the Ocean Institute is a non-profit organization dedicated to ocean preservation through education, setting the standard for educational excellence and serving as a leading resource for universities, museums, teachers and all others seeking to increase their knowledge of the ocean. The Ocean Institute is open to the general public on weekends, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Cost: $6.50 adults, $4.50 children (ages 4-12), Ocean Institute members free. Unique maritime and ocean-themed items are available in the Chambers Gallery everyday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Institute address: 24200 Dana Point Harbor Dr., Dana Point. Website: www.ocean-institute.org. Phone number: (949) 496-2274.

2008 Business of the Year – The Dana Point Chamber of Commerce has selected the Ocean Institute as Dana Point’s “Business of the Year.” The award recognizes the positive contribution the Ocean Institute has made to the Dana Point community.
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