The San Diego Better Business Bureau (BBB) has issued a warning about a Website that is reportedly fraudulently charging consumers for BBB complaint resolution services that the BBB provides for free. The BBB said the site (onlinebusinessscams.com) has charged consumers living in 20 states, including California, an upfront fee of as much as $2,000 for assistance in collecting money owed to them from a business. The assistance consists only of forwarding consumers’ complaints to the BBB, according to Sheryl Bilbrey, San Diego BBB president/CEO. “All consumers should realize that consumers never have to pay a third party in order to receive help from the BBB,” said Bilbrey. “We provide the largest free service of its kind to San Diego consumers with free consumer protection and pre‑purchase information.” The BBB said the Website reportedly told one consumer that he was required to pay half of the 30 percent of the amount owed in order to receive help, which the consumer paid. After receiving the fee, the Website then asked the consumer to provide details of the dispute so the site could determine whether or not to handle the “case.” Afterwards, the consumer received an information packet that included an envelope addressed to the BBB.
Apollo 15 Astronaut Visits Air & Space Museum
As command module pilot for the Apollo 15 mission to the moon in 1971, astronaut Al Worden flew on what is widely regarded as the greatest exploration mission that humans have ever attempted. He spent six days orbiting the moon, including three days completely alone, the most isolated human in existence. During the return from the moon to earth he also conducted the first spacewalk in deep space, becoming the first human ever to see both the entire earth and moon simply by turning his head. The Apollo 15 flight capped an already-impressive career as an astronaut, including important work on the pioneering Apollo 9 and Apollo 12 missions, as well as the perilous flight of Apollo 13. The San Diego Air & Space Museum in Balboa Park is offering the special opportunity to meet Worden on Aug. 26. Worden will give a talk relating his moon-travel experiences, and sign copies of his new book, “Falling To Earth: An Apollo 15 Astronaut’s Journey to the Moon.” The first book signing is at 1 p.m. followed by a 2 p.m. talk and a second book signing at 3 p.m. The event is free with museum admission.
Union Bank Pledges $300,000 to Downtown Library
Union Bank has pledged $300,000 toward the cost of constructing San Diego’s new Central Library in Downtown. The library’s full-service homework center will be named the Union Bank Homework Center in honor of the gift. The nine-story library, scheduled for opening in summer 2013, will feature a cutting-edge technology center, community gathering spaces, art gallery, performance auditorium and expanded access to books, information and digital resources. Union Bank Homework Center resources will promote student success with test preparation books, reference materials, computer workstations and access to quality, online databases. The center, to be on the second floor, will offer after-school tutoring and a volunteer program will help students with their homework and project needs.
Rancho Santa Fe Insurance celebrates expansion
Karen and Craig Edwards
By Margo Schwab
Rancho Santa Fe Insurance hosted a celebration of its recent expansion with a cocktail party. And it was a who’s who of the Ranch and San Diego.
Bill Story with Angie Antwan and Fernando Sustaeta of Ferrari and Maserati of San Diego.
Past the multitude of Ferrari’s and fancy cars parked curbside, guests enjoyed a buffet, cocktails and live music. The buzz that evening was about how well liked and trusted for over 25 years Rancho Santa Fe Insurance owner Craig Edward is. Guess that’s why he’s known as the insurance “go to” guy in the community.
Edward’s clients list is a who’s who of the community including John Moores of the Padres, Andrew Viterbi of Qualcomm and author Joseph Wambaugh.
To learn more about Rancho Santa Fe Insurance visit rsfinsurance.com.
Small Business Workshops
SCORE San Diego continues its series of low-cost workshops. Fees range from $29 to $109, depending on the program. To register online, visit score-sandiego.org. For more information, call (619) 557-7272.
• Aug. 4 Tax Considerations for Small Businesses 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at SCORE Entrepreneur Center (550 West C St., #550, San Diego 92101; pre-paid registration $29, $39 at the door).
• Aug. 5 Business Basics 101 9 a.m. to noon at National University in Carlsbad (705 Palomar Airport Road, Carlsbad 92011; no charge please pre-register).
• Aug. 6 Business Plan 101: How to Develop Your Best Competitive Advantage 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at National University in Kearny Mesa (9388 Lightwave Avenue, San Diego 92123; pre-paid registration $79, $89 at the door).
• Aug. 6 Costing, Pricing, Break-Even Analysis 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at National University in Kearny Mesa (9388 Lightwave Avenue, San Diego 92123; pre-paid registration $49, $59 at the door).
• Aug. 8 Introduction to Starting Your Own Business 9 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. at National University in Kearny Mesa (9388 Lightwave Avenue, San Diego 92123; pre-paid registration $69, $79 at the door).
• Aug. 10 Internet Marketing 303: Social Media for Small Businesses 9 a.m. to noon at National University in Kearny Mesa (9388 Lightwave Avenue, San Diego 92123; pre-paid registration $49, $59 at the door).
The Daily Business Report is produced by REP Publishing Inc., publisher of SD METRO, the North Park News, Kensington News and the West Coast Craftsman. Contact: Manny Cruz at manny@sandiegometro.com or (619) 287-1865.
