Briefly In Business

Business workshops resume

The city of Laguna Beach is sponsoring another series of “Open for Business” workshops for business owners and others interested in opening or expanding businesses in Laguna Beach.

Workshops will take place from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Sept. 23 and Nov. 4 in the Laguna Beach Community Center, 380 Third St.

“We are reaching out to business owners, building owners, commercial realtors and other professionals to let everyone know that we want to help entrepreneurs realize their vision in Laguna Beach,” said Mayor Elizabeth Pearson.

“As a small business owner myself, I can tell you that our civic leadership understands the importance of having a vibrant, successful business community in Laguna Beach. Most of our 25,000 or so residents and three million annual visitors are affluent, sophisticated consumers. They are an excellent customer base for both existing and new businesses,” Pearson added.

Workshop participants will include members of the City’s Planning Commission, key city staff, Chamber of Commerce officials and successful local business owners, according to Planning Commissioner Anne Johnson, who is helping to organize the meetings.

For more information, contact Monica Tuchscher, principal planner at (949) 497-0745 or mtuchscher@lagunabeachcity.net.

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Marine Room offers Wi-Fi

The Marine Room is now offering free Wi-Fi wireless Internet access to all customers.

“The industry is driving Wi-Fi technology and we are giving it to our customers, all city residents and visitors for free,” said tavern owner Kelly Boyd. For more information call (949) 494-3027 or stop in at 214 Ocean Ave., Laguna Beach.

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Taste the best of Laguna

The Laguna Beach Chamber of Commerce is planning its annual Trade Show, Safety Expo, Green Fest & Concert, “Taste of Laguna,” from 5 to 9 p.m. Sept. 30 on the roof of the Glenneyre Street parking structure in downtown Laguna Beach.

Exhibitor space is available. For more information, contact the chamber at (949) 494-1018 or visit https://www.lagunabeachchamber.org.

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Clinic honored by Cal Optima

The Laguna Beach Community Clinic has received a Cal Optima 2010 Circle of Care Awards for its contribution to caring for medically underserved members of the community.

Dr. Tom Bent, Medical Director for the Clinic accepted the award, which was presented by Richard Chambers, chief executive officer of Cal Optima.

Chambers cited the Clinic’s “uncommon commitment to care for the m•ost vulnerable members of our community.”

Laguna Beach Community Clinic served more than 5,000 individuals in 2009, the majority of whom were low-income and uninsured.

“This year our numbers are even higher,” Bent said. “Many more members of our community are without insurance because of the present economic condition. We are the only local clinic that sees patients based on need rather than the ability to pay, and our services are in greater demand than ever.”

The clinic is located at 352 Third St. For more information, call (949) 494-0761 or visit https://www.lbclinic.org.