After suffering countless attacks on small businesses, the Redlands Chamber of Commerce reached out to Senator Bob Dutton for assistance and protection from unprincipled attorneys who have attempted to extort money from unsuspecting businesses demanding payoffs from $4500.00 to $8,500.00 for small ADA non compliant infractions. Thousands of dollars have been garnered in what appears to be a rather lucrative cottage industry for these dodgy characters and the “shakedowns” continue not only in Redlands but throughout the region and the State.

But Senator Dutton has heard the plea and took action. He asked the Redlands Chamber of Commerce to sponsor and introduced Senate Bill 783. With hard work this bipartisan legislation will be passed that will help the small business owners as well as Americans with Disabilities.

“The Chamber will continue to work closely with Senator Dutton and others to insure that this legislation moves forward and will protect all parties making it impossible for future attacks of this nature to occur”, said Chamber President Peter Lehmann. “We are incredibly grateful to the Senator for his quick action and will stand with him to the end as he moves this bill forward.”

In a move aimed at protecting small businesses throughout California and preserving the rights of disabled persons who choose to patronize those businesses, the emergency legislation intends to stop unscrupulous attorneys, using the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), from extorting money from businesses for what amounts to be minor violations. Several businesses throughout the Inland Empire, including 14 in the City of Redlands alone, have been sent a letter from an attorney representing a client claiming that person’s ADA rights have been violated, even though the business owner wasn’t aware of any potential problem. The letter further states that to avoid a costly lawsuit, the business owner must pay the attorney and his client between $5,000 and $8,500.

“This is nothing more than extortion of our businesses community,” Senator Dutton said. “It’s clear from reviewing some of the letters these businesses have received, that this particular attorney and his client are doing nothing more than driving around looking for a potential minor violation and then strong-arming the small businesses into paying them thousands of dollars to avoid a lawsuit.”

“SB 783 will allow the business owner a reasonable amount of time to fix the violation before a lawsuit can be filed,” Senator Dutton continued. “This will protect the small business owner and also the rights of the disabled community.”

Specifically, the owner of the property must be notified of the ADA violation before a lawsuit can be filed. The property owner will have 120 days to fix the violation. If the violation(s) is not fixed within the 120 days, a lawsuit may then be filed.

“No one wants to see the rights of anyone, particularly the disabled, violated,” Senator Dutton said. “SB 783 is a piece of common- sense legislation that continues to ensure the ADA is enforced without leading to this modern-day extortion of our business community.”

-Unfortunately on July 5 Judiciary Committee voted along party lines and did not move the bill forward. Senator Dutton has vowed to carry the bill to the next session.-

Qdoba Mexican Grill®, the fast-casual brand known for its fresh and innovative Mexican cuisine, is pleased to announce a Mango Salad Redlands Chamber of Commerce VIP Party June 22, 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM. This means that all Redlands Chamber members with reservations will receive a coupon to try out our Mango Salad for FREE (drinks or add- ons are extra) at our Redlands restaurant located at 9990 Alabama St. on Wednesday, June 22nd.

The Summer Fresh Mango Salad is made with an aromatic tropical salsa filled with mangos, fresh-cut cucumber and tomatoes, as well as hand- chopped cilantro, topped with a zesty cilantro-lime vinaigrette dressing and served over a bed of hand-shredded romaine lettuce. It can also be topped with our adobo marinated grilled chicken! To be an apart of this exclusive summer salad VIP party RSVP to the Chamber office no later than June 20th 909-793-2546. Qdoba Mexican Grill will also be raffling off a 20 person Hot Taco Bar Certificate from Qdoba Catering, along with Qdoba T- shirts and more! *An RSVP is required to attend, space is limited.

Qdoba Mexican Grill is an artisanal Mexican kitchen where anyone can go to enjoy a fast, handcrafted meal prepared with fresh ingredients and innovative flavors. Each Qdoba restaurant showcases food that celebrates Qdoba’s passion for ingredients, a menu full of innovative flavors, handcrafted preparation and inviting service. Founded in Denver in 1995, Qdoba is among the nation’s largest Mexican fast- casual chains with more than 500 restaurants in 43 states and the District of Columbia. For more information about Qdoba or about franchising opportunities with the company, please visit www.qdoba.com.

June 15 (Wednesday) Board of Directors Chamber Office 7:30 AM – 9:00 AM

June 16 (Thursday) Ambassador Meeting Chamber Office 8:00 AM

June 22 (Wednesday) Chamber of Chamber VIP Party QDOBA RESTAURANT 9990 Alabama Rd., Redlands Redlands Chamber members with reservations will receive a coupon to try out the Mango Salad for FREE (drinks or add-ons are extra) RESERVATIONS ARE NEEDED 793-2546

June 28 (Tuesday) BUSINESS TO BUSINESS NETWORKING 11:30 AM – Lunch 12:00 Noon Meeting Chamber Office

July 6 (Wednesday) Government Review Committee Chamber Office 4:00 PM

July 7 (Thursday) BUSINESS AFTER HOURS PHARAOH’S ADVENTURE PARK 1101 No. California, Redlands 5:00 – 7:00 PM $5.00 Prepaid – $10.00 at the Door Non Members $10.00

July 13 (Wednesday) Executive Committee Meeting Chamber Office 7:30 – 9:00 AM

July 20 (Wednesday) Chamber Board Meeting Chamber Office 7:30 – 9:00 AM

July 20 (Wednesday) STATE OF THE COMMUNITY LUNCHEON ORTON CENTER – UNIVERSITY OF REDLANDS 12:00 Noon Reservations are needed $30.00 793-2546 for Reservations

The Redlands Chamber launches a brand new program for Young Professionals. For the next generation of business professionals ages 18 to 41 the Chamber offers the Young Professionals Network a social networking, professional development, volunteer opportunity for ambitious young professionals.

As the leading organization of its kind in the area membership in the Young Professionals Network (YPN) will help the next generation of business leaders to develop their leadership skills build networks and give back to the community.” said Chamber President Elect Paul Barich. “YPN members won’t just come to events to trade business cards and walk away. They are going to find themselves in a place where they will build lasting friendships, share big ideas and invest in the future of Redlands.”

The cornerstone of the YPN will be monthly meetings where members and guests from diverse background representing many areas businesses from small to large will come together to share ideas, discuss critical business issues and learn from one another. Mentors will share experiences and experts will reveal tried and true methods for success. YPN Members will receive educational opportunities that are otherwise difficult to obtain.

Being a part of the Young Professionals Network will prepare the next business generation to receive the torch and take on the leadership roles in the community equipped with the skills and tools necessary for success.

For more information about the program call the Chamber office at 793-2546.