DUARTE CHAMBER - Blog

Employers with more than 50 employees - take note!

Sheryl@duartechamber.com (Shoshana Puccia) — Thu, 17 Jun 2021 19:41:03 GMT

June 30 is the Registration Deadline for Retirement Program

Our friends at CalSavers Retirement Savings Board wanted to share some very important information for employers with over 50 employees. Please see attached PDF or click one of the following links to find out more.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CalSavers/posts/2980492505609759
Twitter: https://twitter.com/CalSavers/status/1405218339731898369
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:6810984444648939520/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/CQMJv6mLefI/

Congratulations Thai City!

Sheryl@duartechamber.com (Shoshana Puccia) — Mon, 14 Jun 2021 15:30:43 GMT

Thai City Receives Grant!

This morning we received an email from the Restaurants Care Resilience Fund regarding a grant received by one of our members, Thai City. (They were the only restaurant in Duarte that received an award.) What really tickled us was that their picture was the lead on the email. There were 318 grant recipients that received grants up to $3,500 for neighborhood restaurants. Duarte Chamber member SoCalGas was one of the financial supporters of the grants awarded. Congratulations to Thai City and all the recipients!

For full information on this program and the awardees, see the Resilience Fund's website: Resilience Fund - Restaurants Care

25th Senate District Women Heroes of the Pandemic

Thu, 20 May 2021 18:49:48 GMT

Dear Neighbor,

I am proud to host the Women Heroes of the Pandemic Recognition Ceremony and honor exceptional women from the 25 ^th Senate District for their dedication to the health and safety of our communities.

The pandemic created tremendous challenges for Californians and each of our honorees went above and beyond the call of duty to protect, serve, and heal. Whether it was through their job, volunteer efforts, or community acts of kindness, our honorees embody the kind of strength, compassion, love, and leadership that we needed to get through these difficult times."

Each of our honorees were nominated by their peers, supervisors, community advocates, family, or friends. The recognition ceremony will take place virtually on Thursday, May 26 at 5:00 p.m. Please visit the following link to join: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89837774233 .

25 ^th Senate District Women Heroes of the Pandemic

Jenet Grajo-Acosta, BSN, RN, Glendale

Ms. Grajo-Acosta serves as the Director of Telemetry and Medical Surgical Units at Dignity Health Glendale Memorial Hospital. During the pandemic, she led several designated COVID-19 nursing units and served as part of a hospital-wide COVID-19 Task Force, where she participated in the development of COVID-19 clinical treatment guidelines and best practices for her units and hospital.

Peggy Schaefer, MSEP, BSN, BABS, RN, Glendale

Ms. Schaefer is the Director of Critical Care at Dignity Health Glendale Memorial Hospital. As Maternal Child Health Manager during the COVID-19 pandemic, she worked to ensure processes were in place to keep mothers and babies safe through new policies and procedures. Due to her compassion and effective leadership, she was quickly promoted to Director of Critical Care.

Tammy Hoeffel, BSN, RN, Glendale

Ms. Hoeffel is the Director of the Emergency Department and Nursing Administration at Dignity Health Glendale Memorial Hospital. During the pandemic, she was on the frontlines helping emergency nurses by assuring timely orientation so they can assume patient care as quickly and safely as possible.

Juliette Nussbaum, MPH, Glendale

As an Infection Preventionist at Dignity Health Glendale Memorial Hospital, Ms. Nussbaum has contributed to the development of infection prevention-related policies, procedures, and education, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Last year, her projects included tracking and reporting all COVID-19 cases in the hospital for internal and external agencies (both local and state); assisting with COVID-19-related staff training and education; and providing 24 hour consultation on individual COVID-19 cases and department-specific processes.

Susan J. Brown, PhD, RN, Duarte

Dr. Brown is Senior Vice President of Patient Care Services and Chief Nursing Officer at City of Hope, a research and treatment center for cancer and diabetes. During the pandemic, she has co-led the on-the-ground COVID-19 response of the comprehensive cancer center and was an active member of the COVID-19 management team that developed and implemented safety protocols for patients, their family and staff. Dr. Brown also led the center's incident command center during the Silverado and Blue Ridge fires in October 2020 that forced the community into a double quarantine due to unhealthy air quality levels. She made clinical accommodations for the safety of patients and employees in all 30 City of Hope locations throughout Southern California.

Fran Robertson, La Verne

Ms. Robertson is the Executive Director of Sowing Seeds for Life, a food security program that serves over 10,000 people each month in Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties. As families faced new economic challenges during the pandemic and the demand for emergency food services were on the rise, Sowing Seeds for Life responded by hosting a drive-thru pantry. Thanks to her leadership and dedication to the community, countless residents received pantry items and meals during this difficult time.

Jacqueline Williams, Ed.D, Pasadena

Ms. Williams is the Assistant Superintendent of the West San Gabriel Valley Special Education Local Plan Area. During the COVID-19 pandemic, her team quickly turned their attention to meeting the needs of their students, families, special education administrators and transitioned to online support services and learning - including purchasing supplemental curriculum specifically designed to support distance learning for students with disabilities.

Joyce Powell, RN, Burbank

Ms. Powell has been a registered nurse at Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center for 21 years. As a nurse working on the frontlines of COVID-19 in the Emergency Department, she worked tirelessly with her colleagues to provide quality patient care. As a union leader in her hospital, she has worked hard to implement new protocols and procedures in order ensure the health and safety of her community.

Cynthia Triola, RN, Burbank

Ms. Triola has been with Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center as a registered nurse for 46 years. She served on the frontlines of COVID-19 while working in the Intensive Care Unit, where she quickly adapted to new safety protocols and cared for patients with the most critical health issues.

Ying-Ying Goh, MD, MSHS, Pasadena

As the City of Pasadena's Director of Public Health and Health Officer, Dr. Goh is responsible for the overall planning, administration and operation of the Pasadena Public Health Department. In this dual role, Dr. Goh also provides medical supervision and direction for city health services and programs, and has the authority to declare public health emergencies and quarantines.

Talar Aintablian, Glendale

Ms. Aintablian is the Director of Operations of the Armenian Relief Society Social Services Division, an organization committed to providing low-income and vulnerable populations with comprehensive social services. During the pandemic, she has been working to assist individuals and families through case management and job search services, ensuring that they receive the social and economic assistance they need. In March, ARS Social Services partnered with LAUSD's Beyond the Bell Program to host a COVID-19 workshop for students and families.

Jasik Jarahian, Glendale

As General Manager for the Armenian Relief Society of Western U.S.A., Ms. Jarahian oversees the financial aspects of the organization, as well as the funding of programs and coordination of assistance programs. Under her leadership, the ARS Western Region joined the COVID-19 Armenian Community Task Force and took an active role in providing resources to the community during a time of crisis. The organization facilitated the donation of thousands of masks to Glendale Adventist hospital and helped prepared care packages for the elderly and other vulnerable populations. Most recently, the ARS Western Region partnered with the LA County Department of Public Health to host a free COVID-19 vaccine clinic.

Carole Gallegos, South Pasadena

As manager of the South Pasadena Farmers Market, Ms. Gallegos worked hard to stay open as an essential business at the start of the pandemic. She overcame multiple challenges to the operation and worked with the LA County Department of Public Health guidelines to implement social distancing and other safety measures in order to remain in compliance and serve the community.

Merri Jill Finstrom, South Pasadena

Ms. Finstrom owns HUTdogs, a creative services agency, with her business partner and brother, David. Their firm helps businesses, non-profits, and community outreach professionals with marketing. During the pandemic, Ms. Finstrom offered a complimentary webinar series called The New Normal, which focused on helping businesses and non-profits adapt to operating during the COVID-19 era.

Hon. Sharon Springer, Burbank

Ms. Springer served as Mayor of Burbank during the pandemic. Her steady confident leadership was central to Burbank's navigation of its pandemic response. Prior to her service on the city council, she served on the Burbank Water and Power Board as a liaison to the Sustainable Burbank Commission. She serves on the Burbank Farmers Market Board and was recently appointed to the California Senior Legislator.

Tara Peterson, Glendale

Ms. Peterson was appointed Executive Director of YWCA Glendale in 2016. She has played a pivotal role in revitalizing the agency's 93-year legacy of supporting local women and girls by expanding programs. Most recently, she has worked with Black in Glendale and co-founded the Coalition for an Anti-Racist Glendale. Under Ms. Peterson's leadership, YWCA continued providing wraparound services and resources to support families in need throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. The YWCA also operated a series of girls' empowerment programs, serving students in the Glendale, Burbank and Pasadena community.

Rebecca Schmitt, Altadena

The Altadena Mask Project was founded in April 2020 when the pandemic first hit and personal protective equipment was hard to come by. Initially, the effort was small-scale, with volunteers supplying masks to a local grocery store in Altadena. Soon after, the team of community volunteers grew and began to distribute them throughout the medical community and to other frontline workers. Thanks to the efforts and leadership of Ms. Schmitt, the Altadena Mask Project thrived and ultimately had over 80 volunteers at its peak, making and distributing thousands of masks.

Jackie Tran, Monrovia

Ms. Tran is a Communications Analyst for the City of Monrovia. In a time of crisis and a global pandemic, she conveyed reliable information to communities quickly. Whether it was updating the city website or creating daily COVID-19 updates for the public, she served the community of Monrovia by providing them critical information when they needed it.

Krystina Livraga, Monrovia

As the Commercial Code Enforcement Officer for the City of Monrovia, Ms. Livraga is charged with enforcing a variety of codes relating to business operations. During the pandemic, she took on the responsibility of facilitating Temporary Outdoor Business Operations permits and collaborated with multiple agencies to get the process moving quickly. Ms. Livraga has been attentive to the needs of local businesses during a time when small business owners have been struggling to stay open.

Simone McFarland, Burbank

Ms. McFarland serves as the City of Burbank's Assistant Community Development Director of Housing and Economic Development, as well as the City's Public Information Officer. During the pandemic, she helped develop the city's Economic Recovery Plan and created the Rental Assistance and Small Business Assistance programs utilizing federal CARES Act Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding, which have assisted approximately 22 small businesses and 150 households to date.

Robin Sutherlin, Lake View Terrace

Ms. Sutherlin, a mother of three girls, used a sewing machine in her home to make reusable masks for her community. She distributed them to friends, healthcare professionals and frontline workers to them safe and healthy during the pandemic.

Mary Christensen, Sun Valley

During the pandemic, Ms. Christensen coordinated food delivery donated by local grocery stores and delivered it to those who were unable to leave their homes or just needed assistance. Her community service and dedication to helping those in need date back beyond the pandemic. Ms. Christensen was also a volunteer for Children's Hospital Los Angeles for over 20 years, generously supplying treats and flowers.

Debbee Malouf, San Dimas

Ms. Malouf has been a dedicated volunteer at the San Dimas Senior Center for many years. During the pandemic, she has assisted the Senior Center's community service efforts by going shopping for the SD Cares Program food pantry. Her efforts were critical in ensuring that the essential needs of the most vulnerable community members were met.

Cheryl L Johnson, La Canada Flintridge

Ms. Johnson is a pharmacist at Flintridge Pharmacy. Due to her exceptional efforts and leadership, Flintridge Pharmacy has become a local provider for COVID-19 vaccines. During the pandemic, the pharmacy functioned as a local testing facility, too. Ms. Johnson is dedicated to her ensuring the health and safety of her local community and continues to make a significant positive impact on the residents of the 25 ^th Senate District.

Maggie Lee, San Marino

Ms. Lee is the President of the Chinese Club of San Marino. Under her leadership, the Chinese Club has undertaken efforts to raise funds for local schools during the pandemic. This year, they donated $200,000 to the San Marino Schools Foundation to assist with fiscal challenges. Ms. Lee has also been working with local community groups and the San Marino Police Department to raise awareness about hate crimes against Asian Americans during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Judith Rodriguez, Claremont

Ms. Rodriguez has been a Vons Grocery store worker for 30 years and currently is the shop steward. Serving her community on the frontlines of the pandemic, she continued to work with her union brothers and sisters to provide excellent customer service to their loyal customers. On a daily basis, she came in close contact with the public and risked her health and safety because she needed to provide for her family.

Alcuyen Pitts, Upland

Ms. Pitts, a frontline worker at Vons Grocery store, is shop steward and serves on the Executive Board of the UFCW 1428. She is also a veteran of the United States Army. Ms. Pitts has been committed and dedicated to her job throughout the pandemic and played a crucial role in serving her community while risking her own health and safety.

Dr. Marcella Marlowe, San Marino

Dr. Marcella is the City Manager for the City of San Marino and has been instrumental in guiding the city through the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic. She previously served as the Assistant City Manager for the City of San Gabriel for six-and-a-half years. Prior to San Gabriel, Dr. Marlowe served as the Human Resources Manager for the City of Duarte, the only person to ever hold that position there.

Sincerely,

Hon. Anthony J. Portantino
Senator, District 25

Small Business Relief

Sheryl@duartechamber.com (Shoshana Puccia) — Thu, 06 May 2021 17:50:03 GMT

A message from Senator Anthony Portantino (representing the 25th district)

We received this information via email from Chamber member Senator Anthony Portantino yesterday. It is a great reminder of what our local legislators have been doing for small businesses just like yours.

Click here to read the wrap-up from Senator Portantino.

SoCalGas to Partner with SunLine Transit Agency

Wed, 21 Apr 2021 21:45:21 GMT

SoCalGas to Partner with SunLine Transit Agency to Test Innovative Technologies that Reduce Cost of Hydrogen Production

What Is That Going Up?

Sheryl@duartechamber.com (Shoshana Puccia) — Mon, 05 Apr 2021 15:36:11 GMT

The City of Duarte is is a great resource for you to find out

One of the most common questions we get it "What are they building there?" In reality, not many of us follow the Planning Commission or look at what is happening in Community Development. In reality, the City is a wealth of information. They are the ones that approve any development plans in Duarte and make sure they are meeting all development codes and regulations.

It is great to see the changes happening in our town. Some of these have been in the works for years, some came up relatively quickly, and others are long term projects. All in all, they mean that Duarte is thriving and continuing to grow. This is awesome for our businesses and for our residents.

The below link is a great wrap up of what is going on here in town. Take a moment to read what is happening. It really is quite informative. This issue covers the Royal Oaks Tower, the Esperanza at Duarte Station, the City of Hope Campus Expansion (including the hotel, parking structure and outpatient clinic), and the Mixed Use Development on Huntington.

City of Duarte, CA - News Details (accessduarte.com)

Foothill Family Launches PArents Invested in Relationship Success (PAIRS) Program

Thu, 01 Apr 2021 17:22:32 GMT

Foothill Family Launches PArents Invested in Relationship Success (PAIRS) Program

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 1, 2021

Contact: Patti Johnson

pjohnson@foothillfamily.org | 626-993-3097

New Couples-Based Program Provides Proactive Approach to
Relationship Education and Parenting Skills to Strengthen Families

PASADENA, CA – Foothill Family has been awarded $740,000 by the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) of the United States (U.S.) Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to design and implement a program using evidence-based curricula to provide educational workshops and case management services for low-income and underserved couples aged 18 and over, living in the Pomona and San Gabriel Valleys. The PArents Invested in Relationship Success (PAIRS) program fosters healthy, committed, and economically stable families with an aligned and cohesive parenting approach.

PAIRS utilizes evidence-based relationship education and parenting curricula for couples to learn communication skills, conflict resolution, stress and anger management, and parenting skills. Couples will receive relationship and parent coaching, as well as financial literacy, job, and career advancement support.

“Foothill Family is proud to offer a program that helps to strengthen relationships within families,” said Foothill Family Chief Executive Officer Steve Allen. “Through improved family stability, our hope is to increase economic stability and mobility, and support stronger families and healthier children throughout the course of a child’s development.”

The PAIRS Program stems from the lack of resources and programs geared toward couples compounded by the overwhelming need of low-income and socio-economically underserved couples, including those who are facing unemployment or underemployment due to the Covid-19 pandemic and its economic impact.

“PAIRS was born out of a desire to focus on preventative work by proactively providing parents with relationship tools at a vital point in a family’s journey,” said Maria Muniz, Foothill Family Director of Youth and Family Services. “This program will strengthen relationships with the intention of providing children and families happier home environments and brighter futures. Hard work lies ahead but the great outcomes will impact generations to come.”

At no cost to program participants , a full scope of services is provided at Foothill Family sites in Duarte, El Monte, Pasadena, and Covina, and are available in English and Spanish. To be eligible, couples need to be parents or caregivers who are 18 or over and reside in Pomona or San Gabriel Valleys. Open Enrollment begins in April.

About Foothill Family

Serving the community for 95 years, Foothill Family was founded in 1926 and provides a range of community-based mental health and social services. Through its leadership in supporting underserved communities in Southern California, the agency has earned a reputation for providing high-quality services aimed at achieving brighter futures in which individuals and families thrive, communities are strengthened, and generations are enriched. Programs include mental health and school-based services for children, early childhood development and parent education programs, youth and family services including child abuse prevention and treatment, domestic violence prevention and treatment, elder abuse prevention and treatment, and services for pregnant and parenting teens. For more information, please call (626) 993-3000 or visit www.foothillfamily.org .

Keck Medicine of USC, Methodist Hospital of Southern California exploring affiliation to expand access to care

Wed, 31 Mar 2021 20:35:33 GMT

Duarte City Council Addresses COVID-Related Community Needs at March 23 Council Meeting

Sheryl@duartechamber.com (Shoshana Puccia) — Mon, 29 Mar 2021 20:51:46 GMT

The Duarte Chamber of Commerce wants to thank the Duarte City Council for enacting an ordinance to limit fees that restaurants are charged for delivery services such as UberEats, GrubHub, Postmates, etc. Effective April 22nd, the maximum restaurants can be charged is 15%, rather than the 17%-30% they have had to endure during the pandemic. Every little bit helps for our local businesses. We were grateful that they reached out to us to help gather information, perform surveys. This teamwork is what makes the Duarte so special.

Please see the City’s press release for complete information. https://www.accessduarte.com/news/displaynews.htm?NewsID=909&TargetID=1

City Ordinance #901

Well done SoCalGas!

Sheryl@duartechamber.com (Shoshana Puccia) — Wed, 10 Mar 2021 17:27:02 GMT

SoCalGas awarded work to over $884M to diverse businesses

You can tell from this press release that SoCalGas does not just say they support diverse businesses, they actually do it! They purchased 42% of their total services and goods from diverse businesses owned by women, minorities, LGBT and service-disabled vets. That is nearly double the California Public Utilities Commissions goal! Click on their press release below for all the details of their awesome achievement.

We Salute You Hector

Sheryl@duartechamber.com (Shoshana Puccia) — Mon, 22 Feb 2021 22:03:17 GMT

We Salute You Hector

On February 7th, we lost a dear friend to the Chamber. Hector Elizalde, Deputy District Director & Military/Veterans Liaison for U.S. Congresswoman Grace Napolitano passed from complications from COVID-19. Hector not only served our district, he was Chair of the Los Angeles County Veterans Advisory Commission. Having served in the Army, he truly lived and served his country in all ways.

He was someone we could always call to assist us, and likewise, he would reach out to us to help get the word out on both the Congresswoman & LACVAC's information.

Having sat with him for numerous council meetings, there was a proud conviction in his voice when he recited the pledge. It made you feel even prouder about being an American. Pictured here with Tina Heany, he graced us by leading the Pledge of Allegiance at her Installation as Board Chair in 2018. I am glad others got to hear his passion filled delivery of that evening.

So with that know that we will miss his smile. We will miss his laugh. We will miss his service to all Americans, not just the local region he served. And more importantly, we will miss our good friend. And we will think of you when we recite the pledge.

SCE Reimagines the Grid

Sheryl@duartechamber.com (Shoshana Puccia) — Wed, 06 Jan 2021 22:40:49 GMT

Reimagining the Grid - A Look to the Future

The Duarte Chamber, along with many of our fellow chambers, have been part of the SCE (Southern California Edison) Small Business Advisory Panel.

As electricity becomes the fueling system for a larger part of the economy, the grid must meet expanding needs. Reimagining the Grid is SCE's comprehensive assessment to address how the grid must change to enable California’s ambitious greenhouse gas reduction goals.

Their findings show that a significant increase in electric vehicles and distributed energy resources such as customer-sited solar and battery storage – paired with the growth of large-scale renewables – will require the grid to manage a growing set of challenges. Grid planning, design and operations will need to evolve, and the grid’s technological capabilities will need to be reimagined.

You can access Reimagining the Grid here .

SoCalGas Donates Additional $200k to the Gas Assistance Fund

Wed, 06 Jan 2021 21:52:35 GMT

SOCALGAS DONATES ADDITIONAL $200,000
TO THE GAS ASSISTANCE FUND

Businesses and residence here may be facing the very real concern about being able to pay their bills, including their natural gas bill. SoCalGas recently donated an additional $200,000 to the Gas Assistance Fund. The Gas Assistance Fund is administered by the United Way of Greater Los Angeles and provides a one-time grant of up to $200 to eligible customers for the payment of their natural gas bill.

The Gas Assistance Fund is just one tool available. Customers may also qualify for a 20% discount on their natural gas bill, through our CARE program. CARE applications are available in English, Spanish, Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese. For more information, please visit socalgas.com/Care or call 1-800-427-2200.

As a reminder, SoCalGas is not disconnecting natural gas service to customers who are unable to pay their bill at this time.

Apply for the Gas Assistance Fund here .

Former Board Member Joanne Montgomery Remembered

Thu, 17 Dec 2020 00:03:55 GMT

It is with deep sadness that we report the passing of Joanne Montgomery, a long time Chamber member and former board member. Joanne was well known in the community as one of our representatives for the Citrus College Board of Trustees. She served for 22 years before retiring just five days ago.

To the Duarte Chamber, she was known as someone who was active in our Chamber. She served on the Business Outreach, Ambassadors, Taste of Duarte, and Education committees during her tenure as a member. She also served on the Board of Directors from 2011-2014.

Duarte Chamber President Bernadette Chang stated she was shocked when she heard the news. “Joanne was always willing to make the connection and outreach to her resources to support the goals we had as a Chamber. She enjoyed being in and around the community, which was evident when we performed our team business visits. Joanne was a wonderful lady, and we will all miss her tremendously.”

Sheryl Lefmann, Chamber Executive Director and CEO recalled when Joanne took her under her wings and helped her “cut her teeth” as an ambassador, and later on the business outreach committee. “When we performed our first business visits together, I commented that she walked so fast. She told me that if we were going to get them all done, I would have to walk faster. We couldn’t help but laugh since we both are short.” Sheryl continued, “Getting there faster ensured we would have those few extra moments with members to make sure their needs were met, and their issues addressed. I will truly miss our talks, her laughter and watching in awe of her natural ability to connect with people.”

Many Benefits of Using Natural Gas

Tue, 24 Nov 2020 21:33:45 GMT

Benefits of Natural Gas - SoCalGas Company

SoCalGas , a big supporter of the Duarte Chamber of Commerce, shows us the many benefits of using natural gas in everyday life!

Visit socalgas.com to learn more!

ARE YOU SURE YOUR ONLINE PRESENCE IS CORRECT?

Thu, 19 Nov 2020 01:36:12 GMT

Don't be so sure and find out the hard way.

For businesses that serve customers face-to-face, it is incredibly important to ensure that your business listings are up to date. There are various companies that provide listing services such as Yelp, Google, Apple and Facebook. These are just some of the most common but new service providers can pop up at any time. This is how customers tend to find information such as your address, hours, phone number and operating status.

With the recent impact of COVID, some service providers have automatically updated business hours to reflect them as “temporarily closed”. One of our members recently found out that Apple had their restaurant listed as “temporarily closed”; however, that was no longer correct. It falls on the business to ensure that their listings have been claimed and updated. Below are links to a few common service providers which you can use to claim your business.

https://mapsconnect.apple.com/

https://support.google.com/business/answer/2911778?co=GENIE.Platform%3DDesktop&hl=en

https://biz.yelp.com/support/claiming

https://help.nextdoor.com/s/article/How-to-claim-your-business-page?language=en_US#claim

https://www.facebook.com/help/168172433243582

Make sure and update your information with the Duarte Chamber as well on our COVID-19 page. Contact Ashley at assistant@duartechamber.com with your current status.

August 12th Press info from the State of California highlighting actions to support businesses and the economy

Fri, 14 Aug 2020 01:23:00 GMT

We receive information about different COVID efforts from just about every imaginable agency, organization and business. While we are keeping a comprehensive area for you in our COVID-19 section on this website, we do not post much in our blogs. This press release from the State of California is an exception. It is a great resource to see all the different programs and resources that the state has available for you. Please take a look at this document to see how you can participate or enroll in [...]

New News from SOCALGAS about caltech's findings

Mon, 10 Aug 2020 23:45:00 GMT

Today Caltech researchers published findings showing that long-term energy storage solutions like hydrogen are needed to make renewable wind and solar electricity most cost-effective. The research, published in the journal Joule, looked at decades of data about wind and solar availability, and revealed that adding long-duration storage such as hydrogen to a wind–solar-battery system lowers energy costs. Caltech’s data-driven approach is the first to inc [...]

Compliance plan for health orders - Not Complying Could Cost You!

Mon, 27 Jul 2020 18:35:00 GMT

On July 24th, the County issued their compliance plan for health orders issued by the Los Angeles County Public Health Department. Below is the text as it appeared in their daily update dated July 24, 2020.Contact:Los Angeles County Joint Information Center - COVID-19pio@ceooem.lacounty.govCompliance Plan for Health Orders is UnveiledLA County's Department of Public Health (DPH) unveiled a compliance and enforcement plan yesterday to ensure infection control measures are in place in [...]

Restaurant Recovery presentation & resources VIDEO

Tue, 14 Jul 2020 21:50:00 GMT

Today we were part of a Restaurant Recovery presentation put on by SoCalGas. The information presented was very timely, especially given yesterday's announcement of the closure of indoor dining again. In addition to recovery information, there was a lot of other cost saving information presented. Below are links to not only the presentation, but also upcoming seminars. Presentation Upcoming Seminars [...]

WASTEWATER FEE REBATE FOR BUSINESSES IMPACTED BY COVID-19

Fri, 03 Jul 2020 22:39:00 GMT

https://www.lacsd.org/services/wastewater/covid_19_rebate_program.asp

Info from SBA Workshop on Disaster assistance Loans

Fri, 03 Jul 2020 21:08:00 GMT

Here is some great information from a workshop held with several chambers regarding disaster assistance loans from the SBA. The audio file and PowerPoint and several other documents are available. Click on the button to retrieve the information.Thank you Jon from Irwindale Chamber for spearheading this workshop! PowerPoint Fact Sheet Audio File Fact Sheet - Spanish [...]

effective today - New sales Tax Rate for Duarte - 10.25%

Wed, 01 Jul 2020 16:13:00 GMT

https://www.accessduarte.com/resident/measure_d.htm

Insurance Coverage during Civil Unrest

Wed, 10 Jun 2020 16:40:00 GMT

We wanted to pass along information from Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Laro for insurance coverage during civil unrest. The fact sheet is available in five languages (all attached). cdi_fact_sheet_--_insurance_coverage_during_civil_unrest__06-02-2020_.pdfFile Size: 192 kbFile Type: pdfDownload File fact_sheet_civil_unrest_06-02-2020_spanish.pdfFile Size: 305 kbFile Type: pdfDownload File fact_sheet_civil_unrest_06-02-2020_vietnamese.pdfFile Size: 703 kbFile Ty [...]

Insurance Coverage during civil unrest

Wed, 03 Jun 2020 21:18:00 GMT

Click on the link below for a fact sheet from the Insurance Commissioner Lara issued yesterday on insurance coverage during civil unrest. fact_sheet_insurance_coverage_during_civil_unrest_06.02.20.pdfFile Size: 192 kbFile Type: pdfDownload File [...]

Business Owners & Managers - lawsuit abuse alert

Mon, 01 Jun 2020 23:28:00 GMT

As if things are not difficult for our businesses, we must also consider the actions of lawsuit abuse that could affect you directly - especially during COVID remote work situations. Please take a moment to read this very important information from Maryann Marino, from Citizens Against Lawsuit Abuse (CALA). She has been a speaker with us before at the Duarte Chamber and is a well respected subject matter expert. This information may save your business some serious money.If you have any que [...]

Duarte Stronger Together Signage Program

Wed, 24 Apr 2002 11:34:18 GMT

DUARTE STRONGER TOGETHER PROGRAM

A Joint Business Signage Program for Duarte Businesses

DUARTE, California – The Duarte Chamber of Commerce and the City of Duarte have partnered together to launch the “Duarte Stronger Together” program, designed to support businesses and to let the community know that Duarte businesses are open and ready to serve.

It is available to businesses that are currently open, and those that will be reopening in the future. The Chamber and City developed “Duarte Stronger Together” branded “We’re Open for Business” banners and window signs that will come with several unique features to assist businesses during these exceedingly difficult times.

As a low-cost way of advertising, the City will subsidize $30 per business to be applied to either the specialized 8’ x 3’ banner or 18” x 24” window cling. The net cost of the banner to the business will be $25 and $3 for the window cling (which includes sales tax). The business has the option to purchase the accompanying item at the discounted rate of $53 for the banner and $30 for the clings (tax not included).

No permit or permit fee will be required for these banners.

Additionally, the City will allow these banners and clings to be hung through December 31, 2020 with no permit requirement.

In addition to the “Duarte Stronger Together” banners, the City will waive permit fees for all temporary banners through the end of the year. A City permit is required for all these temporary banners. Check with the City for more information.

A limited quantity of these banners will be available at the subsidized rate. Once the subsidized quantity is depleted, the banners and clings will be available at their discounted rate of $53 for the banner and $30 for the clings (tax not included) through mid-December.

“The Duarte Chamber has been working tirelessly to help businesses get information and the support they need, while informing the community of the businesses status on our website and through our social media,” stated Sheryl Lefmann, Executive Director and CEO of the Duarte Chamber. “We are coming up with creative ways, such as the Duarte Stronger Together program, to accomplish this. The City took that idea and enhanced it,”

Duarte’s City Manager Dan Jordan echoed Lefmann’s enthusiasm for the program, stating, “This program demonstrates the wonderful partnership the City and Chamber share in addressing the needs of local businesses. Duarte has a history of being Business Friendly and this is a shining example. “

Banners are available only through the Duarte Chamber of Commerce. To order, contact Sheryl Lefmann at (626) 205-5664 (cell), Monday-Friday 8:00-4:00. The banners will be hand delivered to businesses.

Duarte Stronger Together.

DUARTE CHAMBER - Blog

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Tammy Hoeffel, BSN, RN, Glendale

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Cheryl L Johnson, La Canada Flintridge

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