Weekly Message ~ December 2020
Business News
State Moves San Mateo County to Purple Tier 1
The state announced that, effective Sunday, November 29, San Mateo County will move to Purple Tier 1, the most restrictive on the state’s four-tier, color-coded COVID-19 reopening plan. A new stay-at-home order – prohibiting residents from leaving their homes to gather with other households from 10 pm to 5 am – also takes effect at 10 p.m. Monday, Nov. 30.

Under purple Tier 1 restrictions, businesses and activities that may have been operating indoors – including places of worship, movie theaters, gyms and museums – must move outdoors or close. Shopping malls and all retail must operate at no more than 25 percent capacity. 

Indoor gatherings among members of different households are banned and outdoor gatherings can include people from only three households outside of the 10 pm to 5 am restrictions. During those hours, no gatherings are allowed among households, with certain exemptions.

State officials said restrictions are necessary to control a recent surge in coronavirus cases across the Bay Area and state.

22nd Annual M-A Canned Food Drive
Now through December 12, 2020, in partnership with Second Harvest Food Bank (SHFB), M-A students will collect food from the community to help feed several hundred families in our area. The Drive is organized by the M-A Leadership class.

M-A community members can donate cans in the barrels at the following locations:
  • Bianchini’s in Ladera
  • Delucchi’s Market in Redwood City
  • Draeger’s in Menlo Park
  • Safeway stores on El Camino and in Sharon Heights
  • Trader Joe’s in Menlo Park
  • Robert’s Market in Portola Valley

Ways that you can help:
  • Donate online. With your support, every dollar donated will create two nutritious meals for those in need.
  • When you are shopping for your family, please add extra cans to your cart and drop them into the SHFB barrels.
  • Encourage students in your family to conduct food drives in your neighborhood!

Ways to obtain food for your family
  • Call our Canned Food Drive Hotline at (650)322-5311 ext. 58669
  • Email Student Activities Director Mike Amoroso at mamoroso@seq.org
Shop Local for Your Holidays!
Every dollar spent locally at retailers, restaurants, and other small businesses in your city or town will save businesses and keep people employed.

San Mateo County’s small businesses are struggling to survive the economic impacts of the pandemic and COVID-19 shutdown orders. Consider shopping local this holiday season and support our community. Now more than ever, our small businesses need us!


Please email us if you have any new information to update this list! We appreciate it.
Around Menlo Park
Today is GivingTuesday!
GivingTuesday (celebrated the Tuesday after Thanksgiving) was created in 2012 as a simple idea: a day that encourages people to do good. GivingTuesday is now an independent nonprofit and a global movement that inspires hundreds of millions of people to give, collaborate, and celebrate generosity.

Whether it’s making someone smile, helping a neighbor or stranger out, showing up for an issue or people we care about, or giving some of what we have to those who need our help, every act of generosity counts, and everyone has something to give.

Click here for a list of non-profits with a physical presence and/or mailing address in Menlo Park, Atherton, Woodside and Portola Valley, along with nearby non-profits that serve residents of these communities.

Annual Christmas Market at Allied Arts Guild
The annual Christmas Market hosted by the Allied Arts Guild Auxiliary will be held this year on Saturday, December 5, from 10 am to 4 pm. The market will feature:

  • Creative gifts by local artists
  • Auction of Christmas trees
  • Santa and Carolers
  • Coffee and lunch at Cafe Wisteria

Free admission and parking. Proceeds benefit the Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital.

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Menlo Flats Project Update
The Menlo Flats multifamily development project is located in the Bayfront Area, comprised of 158 apartment units (21 affordable BMR units) and approximately 15,000 square feet of ground-floor commercial. 

The project was first presented to Planning Commission in April 2020 and the project will be before Planning Commission on Monday December 7, 2020 at 7 pm for the Environmental Impact Report (EIR) Notice of Preparation Scoping Session. This session is an opportunity for Planning Commission and the public to comment on the EIR scope - the staff report will be issued later this week.

Ultimately, the project is anticipated to be presented at Planning Commission and City Council for approval in spring/summer 2021.

Women Business Owners Virtual Town Hall
Women Business Owners Virtual Town Hall
On Insurance Issues for Small Businesses During the COVID-19 Emergency

Please join Vikita Poindexter, National Association of Women Business Owners California (NAWBO-CA) president, and CA Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara for a virtual town hall on insurance issues for Women Business Owners during the COVID-19 pandemic emergency. With many businesses experiencing tremendous economic loss, it is imperative for you to have up to date information on services and resources.

The event will be held on:

Wednesday, December 9th, 1:30 to 2:30 pm

Call for Participation in Bay Area Council Focus Group on Returning to Transit
The Bay Area Council invites you to participate in a focus group about employees returning to work and using transit. They are partnering with the Metropolitan Transportation Commission to ensure that transit agencies, counties, and our region can make the most use of dwindling transportation dollars. 

They’re looking for businesses of all sizes, from all sectors and geographic locations within the Bay Area to participate in a one-hour focus group in December. The focus group will last about an hour and be conducted via Zoom. All data from the focus groups will be stored confidentially, aggregated, and anonymized. If you are interested in participating on behalf of your organization, please fill out this form.
 
For additional information or if you have questions, please contact Gwen Litvak, Senior Vice President of Public Policy at the Bay Area Council.
Members at Work
Amici's December Deal
20% OFF Items of the Month at Amici's East Coast Pizzeria!

Enjoy 20% off Amici's items of the month:
Philly PIzza & Spinach Salad

Offer valid on pick-up & delivery orders during the month of
December via amicis.com or mobile app. Use  'DEC20'  at checkout.

Menlo Park Chamber of Commerce | (650) 325-2818 | menloparkchamber.com