INDUSTRIAL NEWS
Proposition 65 plaintiff targets restaurants
The California Restaurant Association (CRA) has learned that an organization known as the Sea Turtle Restoration Project, one of the Proposition 65 plaintiffs in the seafood restaurant cases, is stepping up activity against restaurants. This group is urging members to visit restaurants and report any that are not posting the mercury-specific Proposition 65 warning sign to Attorney General Jerry Brown's office (whether the restaurant is required to or not).

Currently, only restaurants that have signed the consent judgment with the Attorney General's office are required to post the mercury-specific warning. However, notices of violation are going out to restaurants that have not signed these consent judgments, alleging non-compliance and asking for $500 in penalties.

If you should get a letter like this from the Attorney General, do not necessarily assume you fall under the mandate. However, be sure to have your attorney look into the matter as it may either be a result of this group's false reporting or may be validly applicable.

Also, members should know that the Sea Turtle Restoration Project is also sending out questionnaires to restaurants not posting the mercury-specific warning signs asking for information to demonstrate Proposition 65 compliance. These questionnaires are not legitimate documents and you are under no obligation to fill them out. Also note that should you fill one of these questionnaires out it may be used against you by this group

If you have any questions about this issue, please contact the CRA Government Affairs team at governmentaffairs@calrest.org.

CalCode update
Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signed SB 744, the CalCode clean-up bill, into law on July 20. Among other provisions, this bill eliminated the requirement for restaurants to wrap, cover or invert preset tableware. Under current law, restaurants still need only remove extra, unused preset tableware when a customer is seated, or clean it before further use.

Los Angeles promotes its restaurants
LA INC. and American Express introduce Dine LA, a strategic marketing initiative designed to showcase Los Angeles as a premiere dining destination. DineLA.com and its extensive citywide database will be promoted through a highly visible print, radio and online marketing campaign. To submit your information, click here or email info@dinela.com.

When electricity reserves are nearing capacity, state officials will issue a Flex Alert. That's your sign to immediately shut off non-essential lighting and equipment, raise thermostats to 78 degrees or higher, and postpone using energy-intensive equipment until after 7:00 p.m. Together we can handle energy challenges -- and fight global warming. Visit www.FlexYourPower.org/flexalert/.

State winners of national philanthropy award announced
The California Restaurant Association (CRA) has announced the state winners of the National Restaurant Neighbor Award and Cornerstone Humanitarian Award. The program was created by the National Restaurant Association (NRA) to honor restaurants' community service.

The California winners of the Restaurant Neighbor Award are Sorensen's Resort and Cafe in Hope Valley, Mary's Pizza Shack in Sonoma and Mimi's Café in Tustin. The winner of the California Cornerstone Humanitarian Award is Dorothy L. Walker of Wellington's Pub & Restaurant in Turlock. All of these winners are now in the running for national awards to be presented in September.

August ServSafe® seminars
Don't miss out on the following ServSafe® seminars held throughout California this August. For registration or more information, please contact Kathie Griley at kgriley@calrest.org.

August '07
TUE 8/7 ServSafe® Food Safety Certification Sacramento 9:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m.
FRI 8/10 SPANISH ServSafe® Certification Sacramento 9:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m.
MON 8/13 ServSafe® Food Safety Certification Malibu 9:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m.
TUE 8/14 ServSafe® Food Safety Certification Irwindale 9:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m.
WED 8/15 SPANISH ServSafe® Certification Irwindale 9:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m.
MON 8/20 ServSafe® Food Safety Certification Downey 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
TUE 8/21 ServSafe® Food Safety Certification Sacramento 9:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m.
TUE 8/28 ServSafe® Food Safety Certification Santa Ana 9:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m.

The California Grown Farmology children's workbooks are back by popular demand! To get your FREE supply of workbooks please contact Maile Shanahan Geis at maile@californiagrown.org. Please include your name, mailing address, phone number and quantity desired in your message.

STOP A COSTLY DRIVE-BY LAWSUIT? Have ADA Resource Associates perform a Drive-By Access Survey done by a recognized EXPERT. We will perform a basic assessment of compliance with ADAAG/CA Title 24 Access Regulations in these areas: accessible parking, restrooms, path of travel, signage, doors, counters, telephone and tables. This special service is offered to CRA Members within the Sacramento Region for $500 and includes three hours of assessment time. There are limited appointments available. If you're interested, call 916. 991.0107 to book this very important assessment or visit www.adaresource.net for further information.

UP COMING EVENTS
CRAVE the Experience, a production by the California Restaurant Association, sponsored by American Express, is a must-attend affair, bringing more than 750 industry leaders together against a backdrop of fine décor, savory food, quality spirits and unique entertainment. This interactive networking event happens only once a year - you won't want to miss it! Join us on Sunday, August 19 at Union Bank, Coral Tree Plaza, 445 S. Figueroa Street in downtown Los Angeles from 8:00-11:30 p.m. For tickets please visit www.cravetheexperience.com or call 800.765.4842.

Meet tomorrow's industry leaders today at the 2007 Student Showcase
The California Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (CRAEF) team is delighted to invite you to the Student Showcase on August 18, 2007 at the Los Angeles Convention Center during the Western Foodservice & Hospitality Expo.

Join us in celebrating our talented 2007 scholarship recipients and Boyds Coffee Culinary Competition winners, Newport Harbor High School, with an exciting demonstration featuring celebrity chef Tommy Tang. We will also recognize Culinary Cup Competition management winners La Quinta High School. A reception will immediately follow the demonstration.

For more information, please contact CRAEF at CRAEFinfo@calrest.org or 800.765.4842.

Shannon Diversified offers state-of-the art, professional hood/exhaust cleaning services. Unlike our competitors, Shannon is a certified company that has been in the industry for 17 years. With our specialized techniques, quality control processes and attention to detail, we offer the best possible service in the industry. Call 800.794.2345 or visit our Web site at www.Shannonco.com.

Beware of Class-Action Suits Targeting California Restaurateurs. Protect your business from huge fines by printing only what's legally mandated on card receipts. For more information, please click here.

CLASSIFIEDS
Alfredo Annino Construction - Good Eating Begins With Us...Alfredo Annino Construction builds restaurants on time and within your budget while providing the highest quality construction and over thirty years of experience. Call us at 818.509.0345 or visit www.annino.com.

BMI - Music licensing. Special rates for CRA members. Contact Cleve Murphy at 800.925.8451 or visit www.bmi.com.

Carlton, DiSante & Freudenberger, LLP - Labor and employment law related services. Contact Mark Spring in Northern California at 916.391.0991 or David Osborne in Southern California at 858.646.0007 or visit www.cdflaborlaw.com.

eGroupBenefits.com - Employee benefit programs and group individual health, dental and life insurance. Contact Taylor Thorne at 888.878.2065 or visit www.egroupbenefits.com.

HCareers - The restaurant industry's leading online job site. Contact Steve Scott at 800.832.3738 ext. 412 or visit www.hcareers.com.

UCA General Insurance Services, Inc. - Discounted property and liability insurance for the restaurant industry. Call Paula Moore at 877.644.9232 or e-mail pmoore@calrest.org.

National Tax Credit Group, LLC specializes in maximizing hiring and equipment tax credits with an average savings of $250,000 per EZ location. Log onto www.ntcgtax.com or call Chuck Swenson, CPA, MBT at 800.791.3589 or Deborah Van Horn, CPA at 415.955.2661.

For more than a century, Alsco has offered a complete line of linen, chef coats and dining service uniforms, a variety of floor mats to provide a safe and professional image for your guests and employees as well as the latest in restroom technology and hygiene with the new All Fresh Facility Services program. For more information, visit www.alsco.com.