Your Weekly News from the La Mesa Chamber |
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REMINDER – La Mesa Rental Assistance Program Accepting Applications from November 2nd Through November 4th – 6 p.m. |
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The deadline is closing for applications for the La Mesa Rental Assistance Program. Applications can be competed at: https://home-start.org/city-of-la-mesa-rental-assistance/ or submitted at the office of Home Start located at 333 E. Main Street in El Cajon. Remember: This program is for PAST DUE balances only. If you do not have a past due balance you are not eligible to apply. The City has hired Home Start to administer the program. |
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La Mesa Chamber Adopts Seniors Again this Year for the Holidays
Let’s Put a Smile on the Faces of these Wonderful Local Folks!
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Let’s join together and make the holidays “brighter” for our La Mesa homebound seniors. We are now accepting items to pack and prepare for delivery to these wonderful members of our community. Donating items from your pantry? No problem – just make sure that you check the expiration date on those items to make sure they have not expired. Items can be delivered to Fran Smith at 8080 La Mesa Blvd., Suite 214, La Mesa, Monday – Friday from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. REMEMBER: The office is upstairs and canned items and other donations can be heavy and bulky, you can contact Mary England at 619-251-7730 and she can arrange to meet you to pick up your items. |
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Suggested items to purchase or donate:
Canned soups/vegetables/fruits, crackers, pasta, marinara, macaroni & cheese, instant cereals, bars of soap, tooth paste, tissues, hand soaps, hand sanitizer, socks, pens and pads of paper. Gift cards in any denomination from the following locations: Walmart, Target, or any grocery store.
If you have another item you believe will put a smile on their faces, by all means drop them off! We want to make this a memorable holiday for our home bound seniors again this year.
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City of La Mesa Launches a Social Media Marketing Campaign -
“Dine In To Chip In” for La Mesa Restaurants
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The City of La Mesa would like to spotlight local restaurants during the holidays. If you are a restaurant in the zip code 91942 and 91941 you will want to take a look at this FREE opportunity to market your restaurant. For one-week, participating restaurants will be able to share their specials, photos of their business and showcase your business and connect with the local community/consumer. Don’t wait – Apply now! The link for the application and information is here: http://www.cityoflamesa.us/1329/Dine-Shop-Explore
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Local Coronavirus Update! |
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Get Your Flu Vaccination
The influenza vaccine is now available at doctors’ offices and pharmacies throughout San Diego County and is covered by medical insurance. People who do not have healthcare coverage can get vaccinated at one of the County’s six Public Health Centers or a local community clinic.
COVID-19 Watch
The Blueprint for a safer economy metrics currently have our County remain in the red tier. The unadjusted case rate: 7.4 down from 7.8 a week ago. The adjusted rate: from 7.0 to 6.5. Testing positivity for the entire county: 3.5% up from 3.3% last week. REMINDER: We cannot move to a less restrictive tier unless all three tiers work together.
California’s COVID-19 Vaccination Plan
Was released and announced by the Governor on October 19th. California is likely to receive 5 million doses by the end of the year. Priority will be given to the almost 2 million healthcare workers. State officials will then expand distribution to people at high risk for severe illness or death from COVID-19 and essential workers. Very unlikely that a mas vaccination will occur by the end of the year. The Governor also announced a COVID-19 Scientific Safety Review Workgroup that is composed of 11 representatives. 2 of the 11 are from San Diego County. This group will look at independent results and assessments of vaccines released by the FDA.
Professional Sports
The county is going to allow a certain level of spectators depending on which tier that we fall in.
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Family Entertainment Centers
The County added additional information and can now have a single amusement ride, like a carousel or a Ferris wheel – this is now open.
Gyms and Fitness Centers
Climbing walls can now be opened up and outdoor hot tubs with a single household using the tubs at a given time.
Museums & Zoos
Tier 2 is now permissible up to 25% capacity.
Tents and Canopies Permissible for Outdoor Operations
Tents and canopies remain permissible for outdoor operations provided that at least (3) sides remain open. While it is getting cooler this time of year, the guidance is about allowing air flow more than controlling the temperature(s).
Health Equity Metric and Tier Status
The County of San Diego’s Health Equity Metric has been steadily improving and now falls within the data range that corresponds to the Orange Tier. While this metric does make it easier for our county to move into the orange tier, we will not be able to do so until the case rate and the testing positivity rate fall within the ranges that correspond to the orange tier.
Quarantine and Isolation for Essential Employees
The CDC recently updated its definition of “close contacts,” which now includes individuals who were within 6 ft. of someone who is confirmed to have COVID-19 for a total of 15 minutes. A person is still considered a close contact even if they were wearing the appropriate PPE (masks, gloves, etc.) because PPE is not guaranteed to stop the spread. If the exposed person (the close contact) is an essential worker, then thy are still permitted to return to work as long as they are following the proper guidelines about physical distancing, PPE, etc.
Parent Quarantine After Children are Exposed at School/Daycare
The CDC does not require secondary contacts to quarantine. If a parent has a child who was exposed at school and that child now has to quarantine, the parent can continue to go to work.
Gym Guidance
If a workplace has wellness and/or workout facilities (e.g. gyms), then that space still needs to adhere to the fitness center guidance. At the moment, a Safe Reopening Plan is required and 10% occupancy as long as we are in the Red Tier (Tier 2).
Youth Sports – Scrimmages and Games
The State has yet to release updated guidance on youth sports. For the time being, neither scrimmages nor games are allowed.
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Drive-In Activities are Permissible
Drive in or drive-thru activities are still permissible as a way to have in-person educational or community events. A Safe Reopening Plan would still be necessary to ensure proper protocols are implemented. You may view “drive-in movie theaters for a broader guidance on drive-in or drive-thru activities.”
Health Screenings Protocols for Restaurants
Employees should stay home if they are symptomatic and should not be allowed to work. If they were in close contact with another person who was identified to be COVID positive, then they should quarantine unless that are an essential worker. If a family member is experiencing symptoms, that family member needs to get tested immediately and if tested positive, the employee should not be allowed to work.
Saunas and Outdoor Hot Tubs
Outdoor hot tubs are permissible to resume operations with restrictions, single households at a time in the hot tub. However, currently there is no plan to update the Public Health Order. The County will follow the State guidance on Outdoor Recreation, which states that “please note that saunas, steam rooms, and hot tubs should remain closed until such operations can resume.” In this case, outdoor hot tub operations can resume.
Trackless Trains and Other Standalone Operations
Currently, standalone amusement attractions (such as carousels, Ferris wheels, or train rides) that are operated independently, and outdoors are allowed. It is imperative that they are standalone and not part of a larger set if operations that would make it part of an amusement or theme park. Standalone amusement attractions are defined as ride attractions (such as a carousel, Ferris wheel, or train ride) that are operated independently of, and are located on distinct and separate grounds from, other amusement attractions.
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Outdoor Playground Operated by Homeowners’ Associations (HOA)
HOA outdoor playgrounds can reopen providing the operator follow the State guidance on outdoor playgrounds.
International Travel
Currently, there is no requirement from CDPH or within the Health Officer Order to quarantine after travel.
Gatherings Guidance for Essential In-Person Presentations
When deciding whether a function should be held in-person, first consider whether it can be done remotely. If it can be done remotely, then do so. If it cannot, then it must be associated with an essential service. Finally, limits to number of attendees are dictated by the space and the propensity of attendee to congregate closely. Attendee should have enough space to practice physical distancing with ease and events should be small enough that "crowd control" is relatively easy; if the numbers would be too large to prevent people from congregation in close proximity, then reduce the number of attendees.
Reporting Positive COVID-19 Cases at the Workplace
If one of your employees contact COVID-19 and does not get contacted by the public health department, then it is your responsibility take the initiative to reach out to the County on your own. Employers must notify County of San Diego Public Health Services about an employee who tests positive with COVID-19 by calling (888) 950-9905. Leave a message with your name and contact number, name of business, and employee’s name, date of birth, and contact information.
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FDA Approves First Drug for COVID-19 Treatment |
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U.S. regulators approved the first drug to treat COVID-19 – Veklury, an antiviral medicine given to hospitalized patients through an IV. The drug, which California-based Gilead Sciences, Inc. cut the recovery time by five days – from 15 days to 10 on the average, per results from a study. Veklury is approved for people at least 12 years old and weighing at least 88 pounds who re-hospitalized for a coronavirus infection. The drug works by inhibiting a substance the virus used to make copies of itself. Certain kidney and liver tests are required before starting patients on it to ensure it’s safe for them and to monitor any possible side effects. Source: The San Diego Union Tribune – Marilynn Marchione.
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IMPORTANT ELECTION INFORMATION
November Election Dates, Deadlines & Information
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Region’s Voters Cast Record 560K Ballots So Far
As of October, 22nd more than 560,000 county residents have already voted in the upcoming general election, marking record for early mail-in voting, San Diego County officials stated. Less than two weeks before Election Day, more than a quarter of the 1.9 million registered voters countywide have already cast a ballot. The total is a record for mail in voters in San Diego County. At this time in 2016, the registrar’s office had received just 206,700 ballots, which means this year nearly three times as many voters have mailed in an early ballot. Source: The San Diego Union Tribune, Lauryn Schroeder.
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ELECTION DAY
November 3rd – Polls open from 7:00 a.m. – 8 p.m.
METHODS OF VOTING
Voting by mail
It is now too late to vote by mail.
Mail Ballot Drop Off
You may deposit your signed, sealed ballot at any of the 125-mail ballot drop off locations now through Election Day. Visit sdvote.com for those locations and their hours of operation. You can also drop off your ballot at the Registrar of Voters Office at 5600 Overland Ave., in Kearny Mesa.
Voting in person
The county’s 235 “super poll” locations will be open for four days, October 31 through November 3. Your assigned polling place is highlighted in yellow on the back cover of your sample ballot and voter information pamphlet. In person voting is also available at the registrar’s office Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
What to Expect at The Polls
Voters should wear a face covering and follow social distancing guidelines.
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Callaway Tees Up $2 Billion Acquisition of Topgolf |
Callaway Golf is buying trendy driving-range outfit Topgolf International all in an all-stock transaction valued at $2 billion – giving the Carlsbad company control of the party-golf attraction that’s credited with luring new players to the game. The blockbuster deal announced last week would provide Topgolf with additional financial heft to pursue expansion plans beyond its current 58 venues in North America. Callaway already owns14 percent of Topgolf. It first invested in the company in 2006. The combination layers a flashy, golf-related entertainment business on top of the Carlsbad Company’s core golf equipment and apparel brands. Source: The San Diego Union Tribune - Mike Freeman.
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Newsom Remains Firm on Theme Park Guidelines |
Governor Newsom gave the California theme parks little encouragement last week that he would soften his stance on when they can reopen. Newsom made it clear he is sticking with his recently released guidelines, despite criticism from park operators like The Walt Disney Company, Universal Studios and Legoland, who fear that a reopening of theme parks will be delayed well into next year. The Governor states that with the hospitalization rates increase all across the country and the weather begins to turn, with people moving inside and potentially mix, people should be concerned about opening up a large theme park where people mix from every conceivable walk of life will be at an increased risk of seeing transmission rates rise. Source: The San Diego Union Tribune – Lori Weisberg.
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From DA Stephan's Office: This Week's News -
Domestic Violence During COVID-19
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Bed Bath & Beyond to Pay for Environmental Violations
District Attorney Summer Stephan, along with 30 other California District Attorneys and the Los Angeles City Attorney, announced that a judge has ordered New Jersey-based Bed Bath & Beyond, Inc. to pay $1.49 million as part of a settlement of a civil environmental prosecution. |
First Pandemic Trial Wraps Up
The first criminal trial held in San Diego Superior Court since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic concluded, though court officials are hoping for a larger juror turnout going forward to help chip away at a massive trial backlog resulting from pandemic-related court closures. |
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Join us for Virtual Health & Wellness Fair
In honor of breast cancer and domestic violence awareness month, the DA's CARE Center is hosting a virtual Community Health and Wellness Fair on social media throughout the month of October. Just follow the SD CARE Center on Facebook and Instagram to watch informational videos, posts, workshops and panels concerning domestic violence, breast cancer and other health and wellness topics. REGISTER HERE. |
Domestic Violence During
COVID-19
In the unprecedented circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic, we’re all affected by the crisis, especially couples and families who may be at risk of domestic violence. WATCH MORE in this video.
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Best of East County 2020 Reader’s Poll!
Vote today!
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This is your opportunity to let your voice be heard! Vote for your favorite people, places and businesses in East County to help us determine who is the very best in East County. Deadline to vote is November 30, 5pm.
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Celebrate Veterans Day with Fleet Week! |
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FOR MORE INFO, PLEASE VISIT US ONLINE AT:
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Member Restaurants Offering Outdoor Dining |
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Anthony's Fish Grotto
Dine by the Lake and enjoy the ambiance from 11:30am - 8pm.
9530 Murray Drive in La Mesa
BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse
7 days a week from 11am-10pm - Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Curbside Service, & Delivery. Walk-in, first come, first serve service.
5500 Grossmont Drive
Brew Coffee Spot
Our patio is open daily from 8am to 3pm! First come first served. No reservations required.
Online ordering through Clover | Take out
6101 Lake Murray Blvd. in La Mesa
Cucina Basilico
Patio service Tuesdays - Sundays: 4.30pm-9 pm
(619) 825-3171
7200 Parkway Dr. in La Mesa
Hooleys Public House
Dine under the (3) tents right by the restaurant.
Tue - Thur 4 - 9 pm | Fri 4 - 10 pm | Sat 11 am - 10 pm | Sun 11 am - 7 pm
5500 Grossmont Center Dr. #277
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La Mesa Wine Works
A cooperative Tasting Room featuring Premium Wines from San Diego County Wineries
8167 Center Street, La Mesa, CA 91942
Thursday - Saturday 3-8 & Sunday 12-5
Little Roma
Dine on the patio that surrounds the restaurant.
Mon - Sat: 11am - 9pm | Sun: 4pm - 8:30pm
5575 Baltimore Drive, Suite 104 in La Mesa
Marie Callender's
Patio dining available!
Mon-Thur & Sun: 11am-8pm | Fri & Sat 11am-9pm
6950 Alvarado Rd. in San Diego
Nonno's Ristorante Italiano
Dine in with reservations, or carry out
5314 Baltimore Drive in La Mesa
Sycuan Casino Resort
Enjoy the Viewpoint Neighborhood Kitchen patio!
Restaurant & Bar | Thursday - Sunday: 5PM-10PM
Brunch | Saturday & Sunday: 8AM-2PM
The Lunch Box Cafe and Deli
Dine-in service, takeout or delivery!
Tue - Fri: 7:30am - 2:00pm | Sat: 7:30am - 1:00pm
8751 La Mesa Blvd. in La Mesa
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Member Restaurants Offering Take Out / Delivery |
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Anthony's Fish Grotto
Takeout & dine-in: 11:30am - 8pm
Retail market: 11:30am -7pm
9530 Murray Drive in La Mesa
BJs Restaurant and Brewhouse
7 days a week from 11am-10pm - Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Curbside Service, & Delivery. Walk-in, first come, first serve service.
5500 Grossmont Drive
Brew Coffee Spot
Patio open 8-3 daily | online ordering | take out
(619) 246-1244
6101 Lake Murray Blvd. in La Mesa
Cali Comfort BBQ
Take out: 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. 7 days a week.
619-337-0670
8910 Troy Street in Spring Valley
Cucina Basilico
Takeout: 4:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
(619) 825-3171.
7200 Parkway Dr. in La Mesa
Dream Dinners
Easy, Homemade Meals
5208 Jackson Dr #116 - La Mesa
Edible Arrangements
Free delivery! 8237 La Mesa Blvd. in La Mesa
El Pollo Loco
10 a.m. - 10 p.m. for drive through meals.
4990 Baltimore Drive in La Mesa
Himalayan Cuisine
Take out: 11 a.m.- 9 p.m. Sunday - Thursday
Friday & Saturday: 11am - 10pm
(619) 461-2503
7918 El Cajon Blvd #P in La Mesa
Hooleys Public House
Patio dining, takeout & delivery
Tue - Thur 4 - 9 pm | Fri 4 - 10 pm | Sat 11 am - 10 pm | Sun 11 am - 7 pm
5500 Grossmont Center Dr. #277
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Little Roma
Patio dining or delivery.
Mon - Sat: 11am - 9pm | Sun: 4pm - 8:30pm
Delivery hours: M-Sat 11am- 9pm | Sun 4-8:30pm
5575 Baltimore Drive, Suite 104 in La Mesa
Los Pinos Taco Shop
Takeout: Mon - Sat 10:30am - 9pm.
Sunday 4 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
(619) 462-5031
5646 Lake Murray Blvd in La Mesa
Marie Callender's
Patio dining,take out and delivery available!
Mon-Thur & Sun: 11am-8pm | Fri & Sat 11am-9pm
6950 Alvarado Rd. in San Diego
Nonno's Ristorante Italiano
Dine in with reservations or carry out.
5314 Baltimore Drive in La Mesa
Red Lobster
Takeout: Sun - Thurs: 11am - 10pm, Fri & Sat: 11am - 11pm
(619) 463-4449 | 8703 Murray Drive in La Mesa
San Pasqual Winery
Mon - Thur: 12 - 6 PM | Fri - Sat: 12 - 8 PM | Sunday: 12 - 5 PM
Order pick ups and bottles to go. Limited wine service on our patio. Visit La Mesa Wine Works, for service on our spacious patio! 8364 La Mesa Blvd. in La Mesa
Surf Rider Pizza Co.
Takeout: Tuesday - Sunday 11:30am - 7:30pm
8381 La Mesa Blvd. in La Mesa
The Lunch Box Cafe and Deli
Dine-in service, takeout or delivery!
Tuesday to Friday: 7:30am - 2:00pm
Saturday: 7:30am - 1:00pm
8751 La Mesa Blvd. in La Mesa
Valley Farm Market
Fresh meat, chicken and fish, as well as milk, eggs, bread and fresh produce. Products are available on a “first come, first served” basis.
9040 Campo Rd. in Spring Valley
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Show Off Your Membership With Pride! |
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"Most consumers (59%) think that being active in the local chamber of commerce is an effective business strategy overall. It is 29% more effective, however, for communicating to consumers that a
company uses good business practices and 26% more effective for communicating that a business is reputable."
Quoted from "The Real Value of Joining a Local Chamber of Commerce"
Not only do we provide members a physical plaque to display at their place of business, we also provide a way to further brand your business by providing a Virtual Plaque to display right on your website. Membership in a chamber of commerce has come to signify corporate citizenship and excellence, and your website is your storefront to the consumer and the world. Just place it on your website with a link back to www.lamesachamber.com or to your personal business page in our directory. |
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Special Thank You to Our Premium Members |
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Grossmont Center
At Grossmont Center, you’ll be reminded why our center has thrived since 1961 because it’s where friendships are made, family bonds are strengthened and memories are created.
5500 Grossmont Center Dr. #213 in La Mesa
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Boston Beer Company
Edible Arrangements
Power Plaques.com
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Sandra Small/ Photographer |
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SMIB Management, Inc.
The Little Warehouse
Self Storage
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AAA Imaging
American Medical Response
Barnes & Noble -
Grossmont Center
Benchmark Financial
Community Spectrum
Discovering My City Magazine
DMZ Visual Marketing
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EDCO Waste & Recycling Corp.
Frazier Farms
Hallman Jewelers
Kostedt Design & Marketing
Magnaglobe Enterprises
Mobility Works
Park Station
PenChecks, Inc.
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Productivity Plus Office Support
San Pasqual Winery
Sanctuary Cruises
Studio M.I.F.
The East County Californian
Vision Studio Concepts
William H. Sauls
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Thank you for being a member and for your support!
Mary England
President & CEO
Cell: 619-251-7730
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La Mesa Chamber of Commerce ∙ 8080 La Mesa Blvd. Ste. 212 ∙ La Mesa, California 91942
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Copyright © 2020 All Rights Reserved. |
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