The Eastlake Networking Group is a brand new group started by business professionals in Eastlake.  It was formed to help small and large businesses make connections and generate referrals. The group meets every week on Monday’s at Tacos & Tarros in the Otay Ranch Town Center. Meetings start at 11:30am and last till about 12:30pm. All business owners are encouraged to come out and there is no membership fee for joining.

Next Monday, the Eastlake Networking Group is hosting a free educational presentation on Mobile Marketing. There has been a lot of buzz about marketing to mobile users and how it can increase your business. The presentation will cover the basics and point you in the right direction on getting your mobile advertising strategy started.

Kurt Bunch, a Chula Vista Mobile Marketing expert said, “I really wanted to make local businesses aware about the potential of using mobile in their advertising campaigns,”

Kurt is the owner of The Chula Vista Living website and a member of the Eastlake Networking Group. He has also helped businesses with their mobile marketing campaigns. Kurt’s presentation is scheduled for this Monday February 6th, 11:30am at the Tacos & Tarros.

“I know a lot of businesses who have heard about this new avenue in mobile, but are not quite sure how to get it started.” Mobile marketing has seen a huge increase with the explosion of smart phone sales in the US. So many people use their smart phones for more than just making calls. Many of use them to find new businesses, get more information on products or just locate a cool new restaurant. This presentation will cover the basics and educate business owners on what to avoid.

To get more information on Eastlake Networking and to register for the free Mobile Marketing event check out the groups Facebook page. You can also register by calling 619-730-3969 or emailing webmaster@eastlakenetworking.com

A website is your new business card, another marketing tool to retain present customers and gather new ones.

The big question now is how you can get a great looking website without having to break your advertising budget. You want to try and do it yourself, but that funny looking internet code called HTML looks like more than you can handle. You have thought about hiring someone, getting a professional to help you, but you’re not sure where to start or what it’s going to cost.

In this business spotlight we sit down with local web designer Kurt Bunch. He gives us some professional insight into getting your business on the web. Kurt will also tell us about the new emerging mobile web market and how you can optimize your website for mobile devices.

This is a must read for any small business owner who is ready to bring their business into the digital age.

EastlakeTimes.com (ELT): How long have you been in the San Diego’s South Bay area?   
Kurt Bunch (Kurt): I moved to the Chula Vista area in 1989 from Temecula. Chula Vista was a lot smaller then. I graduated from Hilltop High School in 1990 and went to Southwestern College for 4 years to get my AA degree. I love living here in Chula Vista, seeing the city grow into what it is today.

ELT: How did you get involved in web design?
Kurt: After Southwestern College I went to the Advertising Arts College, presently known now as the Art Institute of California, for 4 years. I have always been interested in design and art, so this was a perfect way for me to do what I loved as a career choice. The internet was so new when I was going to school so I tried to learn as much as I could on how to create these cool looking sites I was seeing on the web.

ELT: Tell our readers about what you do.
Kurt: Currently I’m a freelance web and graphic designer. I help companies look good in whatever media they want to target. If they want a four color ad I can help them set it up so that it looks good when printed. If they want a website then I sit down with them and go over what they would like to have on the site about their business. I also do internet advertising and currently I have been getting into mobile web design.

ELT: What is mobile web design?
Kurt: More and more people are getting a smart phone and they are using that phone to find out information about businesses or to shop online and connect with friends. There is a whole new market of advertising now and what I do is show businesses how to create a mobile presence. For example a site that is designed for a desktop computer will look clunky or slow on a mobile phone. With a website designed for a mobile device their site can run faster and look a lot better. They can also use the technology to help their customers to find them when they are out and about. There are so many possibilities with mobile.

ELT: Do you help businesses with those funny looking barcodes that people can scan?
Kurt: QR codes, short for Quick Response codes, allows the user to use their smart phone and scan this code and be directed to any type of media. I can show them how they can add these QR codes to their print advertising and give people the ability to find out more about their business.  You can send them to your mobile website or even get them to sign up for a newsletter or coupon. The QR code is great for generating leads and in business we all know new leads are the key to success.

ELT: What are some of the pitfalls businesses fall into when getting a website.
Kurt: The one thing I tell all business owners, no matter what purchase the domain name of your business. Even if you have no plans on getting a website right away, secure that domain name before someone else does. One of the biggest questions I get is, “Someone has my domain name, and how can I get it back?” Unless you have a copyright to the name, not just a business license, the only way you can get the domain name back is to pay the owners asking price. Spend the $10-$15 and secure the domain name right after you buy your business license. Another issue is, “My son knows that internet stuff, and I’ll just have him do the website.” So if your son knows how to do math, are you going to let him balance your books? I see so many sites that are built incorrectly or using outdated code. Hire a professional to do your site; you want to put your best foot forward when a potential customer comes to your website.

ELT: What makes your service different?
Kurt: I love to give that local touch to all of my customers. If you have a project that you want done, then let’s sit down and talk about what you want. If it’s a website, then let’s find out what we need to add to make your business grow. I also like to give advice on every aspect of the site. I can help you with going mobile or optimizing your site for SEO (Search Engine Optimization) traffic. Also, after the site is done, I don’t just hand it over to you and go away. If you need to update the site or maybe remove some content, then I will be glad to help you out. It’s rewarding to see a small business feel good about the work I have done for them.

ELT: What services do you offer?
Kurt: I’m like the jack of all trades when it comes to web or graphic design. I can build you a website using the latest technology, and I can also create the printed marketing tools to advertise. If you have anything that you want done give me a call and we can discuss all of the options.

ELT: Where can our readers get more information?
Kurt: If they want to check out my latest work they can always check out my online portfolio at www.KurtBunch.com. There they can see my work, my skills, and how to reach me. I’m based right here in Chula Vista so any time they want to sit down and get a quote on design work, I’m ready.

Thank you so much Kurt for sitting down with us and going over web design. We have been extremely satisfied with the work you have done for us and we would like to recommend you to all of the small business owners out there. So many businesses are thinking about how they can grow their business in 2012, and a great looking website is an essential key to success.

San Diego, CA — November 30, 2011 — Two local The UPS Store owners are serving an extra dose of holiday merriment at their five locations while helping to ensure the area’s most destitute individuals and families are kept warm during the region’s coldest season. Now through December 25, 2011, customers who bring in a new or gently used cold weather apparel item, including beanies, socks, gloves and scarves, can benefit from having their shipments expertly packed and save 25 percent off packaging and discounts on Air shipping. The wares will be distributed via winter survival backpacks to displaced San Diegans by Girls Think Tank (GTT), a nonprofit that empowers the community to advance basic dignity through advocacy and activism.

The five stores, owned by Greg Gagnon and Dennis Stein, also owner of North Park’s Sea Rocket Bistro, are located in La Jolla, UTC, Mira Mesa, North Park and Chula Vista. Addresses are below.

“While UPS is a huge, worldwide brand, we’re just two local store owners who want to serve our communities,” said Gagnon. “We considered Angel Tags and other holiday-appropriate ideas, but quickly recognized we can help the very people we pass on the streets each day. There’s something innately good about helping those in your own community, and it just feels right.”

Partnering with GTT, whose members are both housed and homeless, was a natural way to accomplish this. The organization has disseminated nearly 2,000 Winter Survival Backpacks since its inception in 2006 — and its members seek donations for these packs each year.

“We’re thankful for Dennis, Greg and the San Diego community’s support this season,” said Noor Kazmi, GTT’s president. “Many people think of San Diego as an eternally warm and sunny town, but people living on the streets die each year from exposure to the cold.”

San Diegans are advised to visit the following stores to make their donations and to take advantage of the holiday shipping specials:

La Jolla Village – 7660 Fay Ave., La Jolla, 92037 (next to Zenbu Sushi)
UTC/Golden Triangle – 7770 Regents Rd., San Diego, 92122 (next to Vons)
Chula Vista – 591 Telegraph Canyon Rd., Chula Vista, 91910 (next to Cox Communications)
Mira Mesa – 9450 Mira Mesa Blvd., San Di ego, 92126 (next to Ralphs)
North Park – 3245 University Ave., San Diego, 92104 (under Fresh & Easy)

About The UPS Store
UPS is a global brand using The UPS Stores as retail locations to serve community needs. The UPS Store nationwide teams up every season with the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation. Being San Diego’s largest multi-center owners (five stores) gives Greg Gagnon and Dennis Stein the opportunity to impact their local community in positives ways. They offer seasonal community help as well as year-round one-stop, quality shopping for both business and personal needs.

According to news sources, three new stores are now open in the Otay Ranch Shopping Mall.

The new stores are:

Kidville, an interactive children’s play and learning center, in the former J. Jill space

Swarovski, known for fine jewelry and home décor made of Austrian crystal, in the former Flip Flop Shop

Brow Art, a quick-service salon specializing in eyebrow grooming, in the former Illuminations.

San Diego’s newest mall, the Otay Ranch Shopping Mall has the only P.F. Chang’s China Bistro and the only Cheesecake Factory in South Bay.   There is a weekly Farmers market, 4 to 8 p.m., Tuesdays.

The economy in the U.S. expanded less than previously estimated in the third quarter, reflecting a drop in inventories that points to a pickup in growth as 2011 comes to a close.

Gross domestic product climbed at a 2 percent annual rate from July through September, less than projected and down from a 2.5 percent prior estimate, revised Commerce Department figures showed today in Washington. The median forecast of 81 economists surveyed by Bloomberg News called for no revision. Excluding stockpiles, so-called final sales climbed 3.6 percent, the most since last year’s fourth quarter.

Floaties Swim School, a year-round, indoor swimming school  founded in 2005 in Poway, is pleased to announce its expansion to a
new site in Chula Vista, scheduled for opening in March 2012.

The swimming facility is under construction at 851 Showroom  Place, Suite 102, Chula Vista, CA 91914.

“Drowning is the second leading cause of accidental deaths for  young children, and it’s preventable,” said owners Mike and Karyn
Morrill. “Living in Southern California, either you have a pool, your  neighbor has a pool, you have access to the community pool, or you  can be at the ocean within minutes.  We firmly believe that every child should learn how to swim early in life.”

Teaching from a salt-water pool that remains at a comfortable  92 degrees, Floaties Swim School introduces children to swimming in
a non-threatening and fun environment.  Children learn to be  water-safe both in and around a pool.  Creating a trusting, family
atmosphere where children and parents can learn together has proven  to be a successful formula for Floaties.

Once opened, the facility will feature six to eight instructors  teaching at a time. Classes range from infant aquatics, beginning as
early as three months, to children age 12 and up.   The majority of  Floaties’ students are between 18 months to age six.  The facility
will also combine a playroom and party room for private events.

Hours are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 7 p.m., and Saturday 8a.m. – 1 p.m.

“We are pleased to be opening our second facility, and look  forward to being in Chula Vista,” said Mike Morrill.  “Similar to Poway,
Chula Vista has a large population of young families. They will soon  have access to another year-round swimming teaching facility.”

Mike Morrill was reared in Poway, and has enjoyed water sports throughout his life.

For more information contact Leah Swearingen (619) 279-7552;  leah@swearingencom.com, or @leahswearingen;

or Rachel Hungness at (760) 580-7682; Rachel@floatiesswimschool.com.    1-877-277-7946.

Tree Lighting begins at 6pm with local dignitaries and Make-A-Wish San Diego. Bring your family to see the 30 foot tree with 10,000 twinkle lights light up the night for the Holiday Season. Afterward, enjoy the many community groups and holiday acts as they lead the Santa Parade down Main Street.

How will Santa ride in style this year? You’ll have to come to the parade to find out! He’ll be full of good cheer and ready to hear your every wish. This event is fun for the whole family. Bring your blankets and chairs and sip on some hot cocoa during the festivities.

LOCATION: Otay Ranch Town Center- Main Street
TIME: 6pm
CONTACT: 619-656-9100

CHULA VISTA, Calif., Nov 14, 2011 (BUSINESS WIRE) — First PacTrust Bancorp, Inc. BANC -4.51% , the holding company for PacTrust Bank, today announced the relocation of its corporate headquarters to 18500 Von Karman Avenue, Irvine, California. The company anticipates the relocation to be completed in the first quarter of 2012.

Gregory Mitchell, President and CEO, said, “We are excited to relocate PacTrust’s corporate offices to Irvine after completing a long and thoughtful review. The new location is centrally located within our retail footprint, surrounded by a deep pool of talented financial professionals and well suited to meet the needs of our existing employees, investors and clients.”

PacTrust Bank also announced today that it has entered into a lease to open a new retail banking office in Tustin, California during the first quarter of 2012, pending regulatory approval. The Tustin branch, located at 13031 Newport Avenue, will complement PacTrust Bank’s expanding Southern California retail footprint that includes previously announced new branch openings in Santa Monica, Century City and Rancho Bernardo. Following the closing of the acquisitions of Beach Business Bank BBBC 0.00% and Gateway Business Bank, First PacTrust Bancorp will have a network of nineteen branch locations.

“We look forward to providing Tustin’s residents with the level of service, value and choice they deserve and should expect from a strong community minded bank,” said Gaylin Anderson, EVP, Retail Banking. “We believe that retail and commercial clients in Tustin will appreciate and value our home town service and exceptional staff.”

About First PacTrust Bancorp

First PacTrust Bancorp, Inc. (ticker:BANC) is a publicly-traded bank holding company that trades on the NASDAQ and is a member of the Russell 2000 Index. The Company’s wholly owned subsidiary, Pacific Trust Bank, was founded in 1941, is regulated by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency and has its deposits insured by the FDIC. PacTrust Bank operates retail banking offices throughout Southern California focusing on residential, commercial real estate and small business lending. PacTrust Bank provides customers with the convenience of banking at more than 4,300 branch locations throughout the United States as part of the CU Services Network and 28,000 fee-free ATM locations through the CO-OP ATM Network.
SOURCE: First PacTrust Bancorp, Inc.
First PacTrust Bancorp, Inc.
Gregory A. Mitchell, President and CEO
619-691-1519 x4474

Hot Dog on a Stick is celebrating its 65th birthday this year. Stop in and celebrate on the 15th of each month and get an order of funnel cake sticks for only 65 cents.

Hot Dog On A Stick:
2015 Birch Rd
Suite 503
Chula Vista, CA 91915
(619) 397-4384
www.hotdogonastick.com

Residents of Chula Vista and Bonita have rallied together to bring to life the vision of a strong solar community. Together they have brought the largest collective deployment of residential solar energy in the City of Chula Vista and Bonita to date with Chula Vista’s Solar Program.

Created and managed by local business Sullivan Solar Power, Chula Vista’s Solar Program was largely a success due to the residents’ desire and commitment to a clean energy future. The Chula Vista Solar Program allowed for residents in the City of Chula Vista and unincorporated community of Bonita to receive incentives in addition to the State rebate and Federal tax credit through October 24, 2011. As a result of this program, Sullivan Solar Power is rewarding $70,927 in cash incentives to participating residents.

“In August, our company launched the comprehensive campaign to educate Chula Vista-area residents about solar technology, the cost-benefit analysis of solar installations and the potential for creating a sustainable community,” said Daniel Sullivan, founder and president of the locally headquartered firm.

Through the collaborative community effort, Chula Vista and Bonita residents are scheduled to install 204,412 Watts of clean, renewable solar energy and contribute to a sustainable future for many generations to come. The accomplishment will result in a reduction of 462,412 lbs. of CO2 from being emitted into the atmosphere each year.

“The solar electricity rates are comparable to utility rates, and the reductions in greenhouse gases are important to our future and that of our children’s,” said program participant Jeff Noller, “In the long term, our electricity will be free as we approach retirement.”

The substantial community incentive offer enabled residents to go solar and mobilized residents to spread the word to neighbors and friends. The program’s design was made to benefit the early adopters by offering the largest incentive level first.

“The program was designed in a manner to create a critical mass and encourage as many residents in the community as possible to go solar, and the community’s commitment has assisted Chula Vista to shift dependence from fossil fuels to renewable resources,” said Sullivan.

Another aspect of the program’s initiative is to assist low-income families to receive fully-subsidized solar installations. Sullivan Solar Power partnered with GRID Alternatives, a non-profit organization that works with residents living within areas of revitalization to bring them solar power systems. As part of this partnership, Sullivan is donating locally manufactured Kyocera solar panels to the non-profit for every participant who signed up for the program.

To learn more about the program details or how to go solar for no upfront cost, call 1-800-SULLIVAN.

About Sullivan Solar Power
Sullivan Solar Power is a turnkey solar system provider that delivers solar electric projects from concept to completion. The company has installed over 7,000,000 watts of solar power ranging from small-scale residential to large-scale commercial and municipal systems. Sullivan Solar Power is locally based out of San Diego, CA and owned and operated by Daniel Sullivan. The firm is San Diego’s premier turnkey solar provider and services all of Southern California. Visit sullivansolarpower.com or call 1-800-SULLIVAN for more information.