Photo Sophie Braccini

Jack in the Box

Closed By Environment Health Services

During a routine inspection on February 1st, the Environmental Health Division of Contra Costa County Health Services observed three major violations at the Jack in the Box restaurant located at 1440 Moraga Way in Moraga. The violations were: lack of diligent preparation practices, major improper disposal of liquid waste and unapproved unclean floor surfaces. The fast food restaurant was ordered to close until the sanitary conditions are restored. Moraga Senior Planner Rich Chamberlain confirmed that the restaurant had a drainage problem with their sewer system. Chamberlain indicated that he had been contacted by the operator of the restaurant, and that the operator claimed plans to conduct improvements to the restaurant as the repairs were done, such as installing an ADA compliant bathroom.



Lafayette Car Wash & Detail Center Celebrates

20 Years of Business

3319 Mt. Diablo Blvd.,Lafayette, 925-283-1190

"We would like to thank our customers for all of their support over these past 20 years," said Jess Wellan, Owner of the Lafayette business. The company was cited in "The Pipeline," EBMUD's newsletter, as a car wash that recycles 50 to 60% of its professional water use. "We understand the importance of being a 'green' business and we are constantly striving to diminish our carbon foot print", says Wellan.



New Short Sale Specialists

Lisa Hoctor and Frith Wiggins, Prudential California Realty, have completed the required curriculum to earn the National Association of Realtors (NAR) new designation of certified Short Sale and Foreclosure Resource specialists. Ms. Wiggins and Ms. Hoctor work as a team to provide their services to those who find themselves in a possible hardship situation. You can contact Lisa Hoctor and Frith Wiggins at their Prudential Realty office in Lafayette or by calling 925 698-5752.



AmberPoint bought by Oracle

Oracle announced at the beginning of February the acquisition of the Oakland-based company AmberPoint, founded by Orinda resident John Hubinger and Danville resident Paul Butterworth. The Oracle announcement can be found at http://www.oracle.com/us/corporate/press/048842. Over the years, Butterworth and Hubinger have brought a great deal of business to the East Bay. With their leadership at Ingres, Forte and, most recently, AmberPoint, they are responsible for bringing several hundred jobs and hundreds of millions of dollars of revenue to the East Bay.



News from the three Chambers of Commerce

Lafayette

 Big Band Dance on Friday, February 19 starting

at 7:30 p.m. at the Veterans Memorial Building.

Tickets $10 available at the Chamber of Commerce

and the Lamorinda Music Store.

 Ribbon Cutting with the Chamber for Roya's Garlic

Garden on Thursday, February 18 starting at 5:00p.m. 3576 Mt. Diablo Blvd, Lafayette

 Cloud Computing Seminar, Friday, February,

19, 9:00a.m., Chamber Conference Room

 "Green Your Business" Workshop offered by the Lafayette Green Committee on February 23rd from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Chamber. Green Committee volunteers will be on hand to help you get started, evaluate current practices and help GREEN businesses. In 15 minutes, they can evaluate a business and determine if it qualifies as a Lafayette Green Business. Refreshments will be served. This event is free. Businesses that have already "pledged" to be a Lafayette Green Business should complete their checklist by March 20th. They will be recognized at the Earth Day Celebration on April 25th.

 Business Issues/Government Affairs Committee

Open Meeting on February 25 at 8:00 a.m. at the

Chamber office.



Moraga

The Chamber held a meeting to brainstorm the future of the Chamber over the next several years in preparation for the development of a formal business plan. Subjects covered were our two websites, www.moragachamber.org and www.shopmoragafirst.com, membership growth, management and volunteer needs, annual sponsored events and any miscellaneous topics the group wished to brainstorm. "Eleven groups of three to five Chamber members each produced a plethora of ideas, suggestions and solutions," said Larry Tessler, Chamber Vice-President, "Interestingly there was little duplication of ideas, indicating the broad perspective brought to the table by this diverse group of business operators, town government officials, individual citizens and leaders of various interest groups." Ideas ranged from money raising opportunities to producing an event calendar to social networking to bumper sticker marketing and more. The Chamber Board will attempt to establish priorities within each category for presentation to the membership in March for further refinement.



Orinda

The Orinda Chamber of Commerce proudly presents a new event in 2010: A champagne-splashed evening of live professional comedy in conjunction with Tommy T's Comedy House of Pleasanton, and the Lamorinda Film and Entertainment Foundation. The whole community is invited to fill the 750 seat Orinda Theatre to laugh until your sides hurt. 17 and over. Friday March 5th,Orinda Theatre, Theatre Square. Make you reservations online at orindachamber.org.