Funding, Food, and Professional Firms

By John Bwarie CEO, Alhambra Chamber of Commerce

The dog days of summer are truly here. Last month, we shared the news of the funding for the Shorb Community Center ($25 million!), and this month, there’s more good news. We’re celebrating the approval of Alhambra’s first dog park.

In so many ways Alhambra is the model of a community because we seek to thrive in every way that matters. We are welcoming new businesses, new residents, new achievements from our schools, and new opportunities to connect with each other. When we work together, we solve problems that impact us all. That is the model for community.

Every strong community has extraordinary professionals to take care of specific needs: legal, accounting, consulting, real estate, a myriad of health and wellness issues, and more. We are taking the time this month to highlight the professionals of our community – those who have a service or skill to offer you right here in our hometown. In this issue, we bring you the Professionals Guide. Save the page or download a digital copy to keep it handy. These are local professionals who understand where you are coming from!

Of course, we also continue to focus on the amazing foods of our community. Have you tried one of the restaurants of the week? Look for the listing in this issue and discover (or rediscover) what you’ve been missing. We are hearing back from these eateries - the ones define Alhambra’s unique flavors. The community is coming out to support them, new customers are finding these hidden gems, and the program is driving attention from outside our hometown. Check out all the restaurants on alhambraeats.com — and make your next meal a special one.

Policy is always a critical part of forming a city’s future, and Alhambra is on track to make news. This year is critical when it comes to policies that define the future of business in our city. The Planning Commission – and ultimately, the City Council – is currently considering the first-in-30-year update to the City’s Zoning Code. It will redefine what it takes to operate businesses in the city. Every business owner, property owner, and resident should weigh in to help make it easier for small businesses to open here and for job-creating, tax-producing businesses to locate here. Simply sign up for email updates at AlhambraChamber. ord to stay informed on this and other critical policies.

Enjoy the waning days of summer as we turn the corner to Fall.