The rewrite of the bill withdrew the language of “cure” for the businesses hit with demand letters from attorneys and plaintiffs looking to score easy money through bullying tactics. It does provide a 30 day notice of alleged accessibility violation that may be a basis for a damages claim prior to filing any claim in state or federal court; but, prohibits a demand for money or receiving any payment settlement.  It also provides that commercial property owners notify tenants if the leasing property has been inspected by a certified access specialist.

Both Senators agreed that there is considerable work to be done to flesh out the details and identify the specific needed to protect both the business community and disabled community. But, allowing the bill the opportunity to move beyond the Judiciary Committee opens the door for input from all concerned.

The efforts of the Redlands Chamber of Commerce, Government Review Committee helped to heighten the awareness of the seriousness of the issue. Meeting with Senator Feinstein (D) was a critical component in that effort that caused a significant letter to be sent to Senator Steinberg (D) resulting in his reaching out to Senator Bob Dutton (R) who graciously stepped across the aisle to join forces to address this by-partisan issue.

The Chamber will continue to work with both senators and monitor the progress of the bill to insure that the advancement made recently does not end here but continues to push forward.

            Mayor Pete Aguilar, Council Member Bob Gardner and Council Member Jon Harrison voted to support the Occupy Redlands group to not only dismiss the value of the opinion of corporations, but further added special interest groups and associations to the list. The argument was the body (of the corporation or association) was not a person but most certainly it is made up of people; people with an opinion, a voice and a right to be heard.

            Speakers at the council meeting, the Chamber included that opposed the resolution, pleaded with Council Members to realize the significance of the action they were considering, noting first that while the original movement was targeting behemoth corporations funneling mega money into political campaigns, the outcome of the resolution they were now considering would have far reaching implications for small businesses and now special interest groups and associations.

            Even more significant was the question of relevance. City Council, State and Federal Constitutional law are light years apart, well above pay grade and have no businesses on the local dais. A precedent has been established and every “special interest group” will come before Council looking for support for whatever project they have adopted and need protection from or for. Now that Council has deemed “special interest” a non entity will they be heard?

            Mayor Pro Tem Paul Foster and Council Member Jerry Bean soundly opposed the resolution noting its errant message, and dismissive regard for the business community and the people in it. They are to be commended for their bravery. It would have been easier to cave in the face of a crowd demanding than stand tall for what is fair and equitable for all. 

            “Senator Steinberg and I have had some very extensive talks about this issue of predatory lawsuits, which are being filed under theADA. Both of us agree that this is a serious problem that needs to be addressed,” Senator Dutton said. “I’m hopeful we’ll be able to finally fix this problem that has plagued thousands of small businesses throughoutCalifornia, while at the same time protect the rights of the disabled community.”

            Senator Dutton called the current version of SB 1186 a work-in-progress. The bill will be amended during the next four months before a vote of the final version of the bill is taken. While the newest version of the bill does not allow for a “fix it” approach to businesses served with demands, it is a small step forward in the battle. The bill’s first hearing is set for May 8 in the Senate Judiciary Committee.

            The current legislation aims to look at a multitude of possible solutions to reduce litigation and improve compliance.  These options, among many, include improving our CASp program and education efforts. They also include examining whether it would be sound policy to allow certain businesses an opportunity to correct a minor violation of a physical accessibility requirement where that violation does not actually impede access.  

            “I’m glad that there is an opportunity to work with Senator Steinberg in a bi-partisan manner to help solve this serious problem,” Senator Dutton said. “Both of us agree that no disabled person should ever be denied access to a business. We both also see that there are predatory lawyers who are taking advantage of the ADA to prey onCaliforniasmall businesses, who are struggling to survive during these tough economic times. Senator Steinberg and I are both committed to working in the coming months to craft a final version of this legislation that protects both the handicapped community and businesses in California.”

            The Shop Redlands campaign continues to be a success and is growing month to month. More and more shoppers are participating by bringing in receipts to the Chamber office and participating in the drawing for amazing gifts provided by Chamber members. Shop Redlands First posters will be available soon to put display your businesses, check with the chamber if you would like to help promote the Shop Redlands program by showcasing a poster in your window.

            The Redlands Chamber Cruisin’ Cuisine will be on Friday May 18th from 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm.  Here is your chance to savor local restaurants very best fare so gather up your friends for a great Friday evening in beautiful downtown Redlands (All this fun for only $35 for chamber member $45 for non-member) and call the Chamber office for your tickets, 793-2546, only a limited number of tickets are available.   

            Have a productive, successful month and….. Remember Shop Redlands First.

     Bring in your shopping receipts from chamber members or local businesses and be eligible for the drawing that will be held the last day of April. By shopping at chamber members you will receive two tickets for the drawing, non member receipts qualify you for one ticket. The member directory can be found on the Chamber’s website at www.Redlandschamber.org. The receipts must be $25 or more.

      Once again congratulations to Sandi Teel, and thank you to Inland Community Bank, Here we go again …… let’s get shopping inRedlands!

            Check in will begin at 5:30 at the Chamber office where guests with a purchased a ticket will pick up wristband, a map and passport to each of the participating restaurants, then off they go to taste and test to their hearts delight. At each restaurant they will have the host sign their passport that will then make them eligible for a drawing at the end of the evening. The grand prize is an Apple Ipad. For restaurants not located in downtown Redlands host businesses will partner with them allowing use of facility providing both with great exposure.

            “This is a great avenue to promote our local restaurants” said Paul Barich, Chamber President. “We asked a number of our downtown businesses to host restaurants that are housed outside the immediate downtown area. We want to drive people to downtown and showcase our unique restaurants. There is no place better in the Inland Empire to spend an evening out thanRedlands”

            Tickets for the event are $35 per person and are limited. To purchase your tickets or for more information about Redlands Chamber Cruisin’ Cuisine call 793-2546.

            Over the years, Community Bank has grown to include 16 banking centers with assets of over $2.6 billion. Since their inception, they have focused on serving small and mid-sized businesses. They feel uniquely qualified to meet their customers’ business challenges, because as a middle-market company they face the same issues each day.

            At Community Bank, you can always expect friendly, personal care and a full range of business banking services, from checking accounts and equipment loans to comprehensive services such as letters of credit, the financing of foreign receivables, or lending to an ESOP.

            Community Bank is committed to serving the communities in which they live, work and do business. They feel strongly about establishing partnerships with organizations, businesses and individuals within their communities and the surrounding neighborhood. Their philosophy of local involvement is demonstrated at the corporate level and further expressed in the time and energy our employees devote each year to community service activities.

            Community Bank has dedicated a full-time bank officer committed to expanding community involvement. By working with under-served communities inSouthern California, they are helping them gain access to capital for their business operations.

     They also invest in their communities by providing loans to nonprofit organizations and by making charitable contributions and investments with a focus on affordable housing, financial literacy and economic development.

            To help broaden the base of economic growth, they participate in loan programs offered by local community development corporations or community development financial institutions like the California Economic Development Lending Initiative, the Southern California Reinvestment CDFI, California Community Reinvestment Corporation, and other similar organizations that offer micro and small business loans to borrowers who are unable to qualify for conventional financing.

            Community Bank is the home of Partnership Banking. To learn more about Community Bank visit Everett Thompson, and his team at the local Redlandsbranch at 200 E. Citrus Avenue or log on to www.cbank.com

            If you’re looking to planning the development of land, are a landlord or tenant in need of representation or negotiation assistance, want to purchase or sell commercial real estate, or in need of property management services in the Inland Empire area of Southern California, then Coldwell Banker Commercial Lazar & Associates is the one stop “shop” for you.

            Coldwell Banker Commercial Lazar & Associates is a full service commercial real estate company specializing in retail properties, industrial investments, land investments, or offices located in the Inland Empire area of Southern California, including portions of San Bernardino and Riverside counties, in cities such as San Bernardino, Fontana, Riverside, Highland, Loma Linda and Yucaipa to mention a few.

            The Inland Empireconsists of several cities with a large growth area and is close to more than 4,000,000 in resident population.  The Inland Empire includes portions of San Bernardino and Riverside counties and incorporates such notable cities as San Bernardino,Riverside,Ontario, Rancho Cucamonga,Corona,Fontana,Colton,Rialto,Bloomington,Highland, Loma Linda,Redlands, Yucaipa,Beaumont, Banning, Calimesa, Mira Loma and Grand Terrace.  It is the third most populous metropolitan are inCalifornia, and the fourteenth most populous metropolitan area in theUnited States.

            The team at Coldwell Banker Commercial Lazar & Associate is expert in commercial real estate providing proficiency in all disciplines of commercial real estate including office, retail, industrial and land investments.

They help clients with:

• Property Development & Management Services
• Landlord & Tenant Representation/Lease Negotiation
• Strategic Planning & Positioning for Commercial Real Estate Asset
• The Purchase & Sale of commercial properties including complete analysis and assessment of communities to fit the client’s needs.

            Since 1979 Coldwell Banker Commercial Lazar & Associates have served theInland Empirewith outside the box thinking creating extraordinary value for their customers forging long standing relationships based on trust and performance.

            To learn more about CB Commercial Lazar & Associates call owner Rick Lazar at 793-3600 or visit the website at www.cbclazar.com.