Compiled by Jim Shilander
New Developments
A number of downtown San Clemente businesses have joined together as part of a national effort to encourage residents to shop locally.
Started in 2009, the 3/50 Project is a national effort that encourages people to spend at least $50 each at three different local businesses each month. By spending more money locally at independent brick and mortar businesses, customers keep more money in their cities through payroll, taxes and other expenditures, the project’s literature states. Spending that same money at either a chain store or online brings in less revenue.
Michael Kaupp, Downtown Business Association president said, joining the effort had been a point of emphasis in the group.
“I know that the DBA has pushed for involvement in this over the last two years, we have distributed material to shops, bag stuffers to customers and had several presentations at general membership meetings,” Kaupp explained. “It is a great program and we believe it has great value for San Clemente.”
The following San Clemente businesses are listed on the project’s website (www.the350project.net) as participating in the project: 5 Elements Spa and Boutique, Angel Wings, Avenue Accents, BeachFire Bar and Grill, Christopher Lee Ltd., Del Mar Beauty, L Design Downtown Flowers, Erba Inc., Jewelry Forever, La Casa Verde de Granada, Mac and Madi Unique Children’s Boutique, Mathom House Books, Inc., Maui Mermaids, OC Tykes, Pacific Water Solutions, Petit Bonhomme, Rascal’s Ladies, San Clemente Art Supply and Custom Framing, Shore Gardens Nursery, Stanford Court Antiques, Urban Renewal Decor, Villa Cucina Home and Kitchen and Vintage Inspired Apparel and Home Decor.
San Clemente Municipal Golf Course is under new management, and its clubhouse restaurant is getting a new name to go along with the makeover.
Restaurant general manager Reggie Parks said the new name, Pride of the Pacific Bar and Grille, was chosen from approximately 170 entries in a contest to rename the restaurant, which was formerly known as Irons in the Fire.
“All the entries had some thought put behind them,” Parks said. “A lot of them referenced local lore or something that was representative of the community.”
Parks said that “Pride of the Pacific” was chosen primarily because the course is already known locally by that moniker, and the phrase already appears on sportswear sold in the clubhouse.
Parks said he would be commissioning a local artist to create a new logo for the establishment as part of the remodel currently going on at the facility. A temporary sign designating the new name will be put up shortly, he indicated, until a new permanent sign is created.
San Clemente-based clothing and accessories manufacturer Electric has announced a major expansion into Europe, which includes the opening of a new office in France. The company is also planning to expand into Asia, which will include putting products into stores in Tokyo, Seoul, Hong Kong and China. The company also announced that it will introduce additional product lines, including watches and electronic accessories. The company has also announced plans to introduce additional snow goggles to its current product line, as well as the creation of a new logo.
Milestone
While the location in San Clemente has not been around as long, Wahoo’s Tacos is celebrating the chain’s 25th anniversary this year. To celebrate, the chain will be offering a number of different offers on the 25th of each month. For a full listing see the company’s website at www.wahoos.com.
