News

Everybody loves NETWORKING and it is an important tool in spreading the marketing message about your business. There are obviously quite a few current and potential customers in Ladera Ranch and Rancho Mission Viejo but the Ladera Rancho Chamber has partnered with the Chambers in Mission Viejo, Rancho Santa Margarita and Lake Forest to expand that reach considerably in 2023.

Starting in March, we will be rotating the quarterly Mixer between each location to open up new connection opportunities! 

As usual, each event will feature food, beverages and an "Opportunity" raffle drawing of at least 12 items. Proceeds benefit the host Chamber. 

Participation is FREE if you are a Chamber member or $20 if you are not. We look forward to seeing you!

On Friday, August 12th the Chamber partnered with LARCS at the last concert of the year in bringing 25 area businesses out for a Business Expo!

The concert provided businesses an opportunity to connect with large volumes of residents at an in-person event. The concerts draw 3,000 - 4,000 people and represent the largest gatherings of people all year long in Ladera Ranch. 

The businesses in return provided activities, raffles, games, contests and giveaways and served to entertain area youth even during the concert until it got dark.

Everyone had a GREAT time and we look forward to doing it again next year! Hopefully with some cooler weather since temperatures topped 90 degrees earlier in the day!

On Monday August 1st and Tuesday August 2nd, Orange County Public Works performed what is known by pavement experts as an a/c grind and overlay: a new fresh top coat of asphalt to the rest of us laypersons!

This was a project our Chamber of Commerce asked for in 2021 and OCPW was able to incorporate as part of the larger south Antonio Parkway project that will provide the same treatment from the Covenant Hills gate entrance at Antonio Parkway, through Rancho Mission Viejo, down to Ortega Highway set to start on Monday, August 8th. The majority of the work will occur at night.

The work on Daisy Street refreshes the top layer, which should be good for another 20 years. The Chamber thanks Orange County Public Works and 5th District Supervisor Lisa Bartlett and her team for a job very well done!

Street maintenance is an ongoing effort as the community has passed its 22nd birthday with much of the original construction still intact, but showing its age. 

Several other streets are getting close to needing refreshes as well including Crown Valley Parkway, Windmill, Dorrance, Cecil Pasture and Sellas. We will continue to provide the community with updates!

The Chamber has been working with Orange County Public Works and 5th District Supervisor Lisa Bartlett's Office for several years on a couple of these proposed projects and they will commence August 1st!

We apologize in advance for any inconveniences they may cause the community but they will be worth it in the long term!

We'll let your know if the schedule changes in any way.

The Ladera Summer Concert Season got into full swing on Friday, July 15th as residents rocked out with Slapbak's funk edge, sprinkled in with a splash of blues and a dash of jazz! The Mighty Untouchables are playing this Friday, the 22nd from 6:30 - 8:30 pm and our local restaurants are offering Carry-out Concert Packs for your convenience. The following are participating:

• Board & Brew - bagged sandwich $9 - $11 and $5 canned beer: (949) 503-1265
• Forte Mediterranean Bistro - beef gyro or chicken wrap (4 types) and French fries, $10.99: (949) 388-7999
• Joe's Italian Food - drinks, cocktails (doubles $22) and any food to go: (949) 438-1338
• Mama's Comfort Food & Cocktails - Kids eat FREE, regular and Happy Hour food items and drinks to go: (949) 889-2600
• Pino's Cucina - $40 family combo includes your choice of pasta with marinara sauce, a Mista salad and bread that feeds 4 - 5 people. Protein upgrades available: (949) 388-4931
• Pokeworks - Ohana catering pack, everything you need to build your own bowls for 6 - 8 people and a FREE quart of Dole Whip, $65: (949) 561-1600
• Rancho Capistrano Winey - 20% off a to go pizza and a bottle of wine purchased together, $3 extra for plastic wine carafe and glasses: (949) 542-8340
• Selma's - Large pizza and beer growler to go, $5 off: (949) 388-7260
• Xclusive - Order dinner and cocktails to go - Family Packs are available: (949) 339-3545

While LARCS is busy making all of the preps at Founders Park, we will be moving over to Cox Sports Park for the July 3rd market only! So come see us there!

It's no secret that bike adoption is growing in our community - especially ebikes. Residents have been complaining about their operation since early in the pandemic. 

Late last year the Chamber and the Civic Council began working collaboratively to develop a list of improvements the County could implement to make bike transport safer in Ladera Ranch. We noticed streets that were missing bike lanes completely when they seemed wide enough to accommodate them.  

In February, we submitted a comprehensive list of locations with recommendations for improvements from the easiest to implement to the more difficult requiring funding and engineering. We will detail all of those requests in a subsequent posting. 

The county, under Supervisor Lisa Bartlett's leadership, responded and here is the first of those proposed charges. Residents are encouraged to provide feedback.

We think you'll agree that the changes are necessary and will result in the safer co-existence between cars and bicycles!

After 2 years of virtual runs, the Freedom Run returns LIVE, IN-PERSON this year!

The Freedom Run is a Ladera Ranch tradition, in its 16th year, that is the kick off event in Ladera's fantastic Fourth of July community festivities. It benefits local charities: James Henry Ransom Foundation, Laura’s House and us, the Ladera Rancho Chamber of Commerce.

Sponsorship is a great way to give your business visibility and to show the community you support them, as they support you!

See the attached levels below and reach out to Todd Stearns with any questions (949-436-1868):

This is sure to be a fun event for the kids!

Participating businesses include:

Code Ninjas, Mama's, Kumon, Row House, Stews, NuAge Spa, Board & Brew, Z Pizza, OCMA, Thai Fix, Touch of Jane, Legends, Barrels & Birdies, The Sweet Hand and Westar.