Valentine’s Day is right around the corner and we want to share your Valentine’s Day specials. Let us help you offer your special to people wanting to celebrate this annual holiday. Email us the following info to chamber@lamesachamber.com:

♥ Business Name

♥ Valentine's Day Specials

♥ Website for Details

♥ Hours

♥ For restaurants: Please let us know: Are you delivering? If so, what delivery services are you using?

Come join us for an amazing Italian lunch or dinner on our cozy, heated patio. If you are not comfortable to join us just yet, you can still order TAKE OUT and continue to enjoy Cucina Basilico in the comfort of your own home.

CALL US AT 619 825 3171

FOR RESERVATIONS OR PICK UP ORDERS

BUSINESS HOURS

LUNCH   Wednesday - Thursday - Friday from 11am to 2pm

DINNER  Tuesday through Sunday from 4:30pm to 8/8:30pm

7200 Parkway in La Mesa | www.cucinabasilicolamesa.com

Amanda Peterson | (619) 606-6019 | amanda.peterson@fiserv.com

Complimentary one hour Virtual Wellness Cooking Experience in the comfort of your home ($100 value). We will teach you how to increase and keep your immune system in good condition through healthy cooking methods. Go to www.wellnesscookingexperience.com.

How it works:

We look forward to supporting your health commitments!

4260 Lomo Del Sur in La Mesa | (619) 439-0190 | www.dreamlifetotalwellness.com | www.wellnesscookingexperience.com

We are open limited hours for bottle sales to go. Thurs-Sun 1-5. Feel free to call in your order ahead of time & we'll have it ready for pickup.

8167 Center Street in La Mesa | 619-741-0700 | lamesawineworks.com

For any member that signs up for our email newsletter, they will receive an email code for a free peach cobbler with their order.

We will be open from 12pm-8pm.

Delivery available through UberEats, Doordash and Grubhub.

8910 Troy Street, Spring Valley, CA 91977

(619) 337-0670 | www.calibbq.media

6515 Jackson Drive, San Diego, CA 92119

(619) 461-2101 | www.shopexpressblinds.com

For Cali BBQ Media founder and media maven Shawn Walchef (instagram.com/shawnpwalchef), spreading kindness in his hometown of San Diego and through his digital domains has long been a way of life. When challenged to spread kindness even more by his mentor David Meltzer, Shawn accepted the mission and rallied his troops to feed essential workers in the San Diego community. Shawn partnered with Victor Lopez, owner of El Pollo Grill to begin this amazing campaign. Shawn says it so well, “ From the devastation of the coronavirus, to a country divided politically, and drained emotionally – we’re all still striving to get back to normal, prioritize positivity and spread kindness. We have joined up with El Pollo Grill to spread kindness with catered meals for essential workers at ICU units in the San Diego area.”

We salute Shawn and Victor for creating this wonderful program! To donate to the Spreading Kindness Campaign you can Venmo money to Shawn Walchef (venmo.com/shawn-walchef) or email shawn@calibbq.media to ask how you can help.

Have you filled out the simple form online to advertise your business for FREE? The San Diego Union Tribune has created an opportunity for businesses to let the public know - “Yes, We’re Open.” This business marketing campaign lists your business name, address, phone number and website in ads they print in the newspaper and their online directory.

Sign up NOW - visit SanDiegoUnionTribune.com/OpenForBusiness to fill out the form to list your business in print and online – FREE!

If you need help or questions - call Mary England 619-251-7730 and we will be glad to assist you!

Union Bank is rebuilding our La Mesa branch which is exciting news! In the meantime, to service customers and continue to be a part of our community they have opened a temporary office. Your original La Mesa team welcomes you back! Stop by and say hello, conduct your banking needs and take a look at the inspiring artwork that continues to send the message, "La Mesa Strong."

La Mesa Branch: 4771 Spring Street, La Mesa

415-784-2300

Branch Hours: Monday – Friday 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Have a question? Please give them a call at 619-667-3206 or visit unionbank.com/lamesa.

The start of tax filing season is postponed by a couple of weeks this year, but the government says it expects to pay most refunds reasonably quickly. Typically, the IRS begins accepting and processing individual income tax returns in late January. But the agency has pushed back the start of filing to February 12 for returns for the tax year 2020. The shift was needed, the IRS said, to allow the agency to update and test its system to reflect late-year tax changes approved by Congress, including a second round of economic stimulus payments. The new start date will allow for people to get their tax refund when needed, as well as make sure they receive their remaining stimulus payments they are eligible for, as quickly as possible. Because of the coronavirus the IRS was delayed in processing some returns, particularly those filed on paper. Though most people file returns electronically, 16 million paper returns were filed last year. As of December 25, there were still nearly 7 million unprocessed individual returns from tax year 2019, according to the IRS website. Even so, the IRS said, most taxpayers due a refund for the 2020 tax year will get it within three weeks if they file electronically and have the money deposited directly into their bank account. The average refund in recent years has been more than $2,500. The change in the start of filing season raised concerns about recipients of antipoverty tax credits, like the earned-income tax credit and the child tax credit, who typically have lower incomes and file early to get refunds quickly. But people claiming the credit can expect to receive their refunds beginning in early March which is typical, as long as there are no issues with their tax returns. Although the IRS won’t start accepting and processing returns until February 12, you can prepare your return ahead of that time and be ready to submit. The IRS Free File program is ready to use now, if people are comfortable preparing their own tax returns. The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program helps people with incomes under $75,000. AARP Foundation Tax Aide helps filers of all ages, with an emphasis on people 50 and older or those with low or moderate incomes. Here are some questions and answers about this year’s tax filing season:

A. No. The economic stimulus payments issued during the pandemic are not taxed, and they won’t reduce your refund.

A. Most people received the payments automatically. But, if you didn’t, or if you got a partial payment, you can still get it if you’re eligible by claiming a recovery rebate credit on your 2020 tax return.

A. The federal filing deadline this year is April 15. (The date may be later in some states.) Last year, because of disruptions caused by the pandemic, the filing deadline was delayed by three months, but this year it’s currently scheduled for the traditional mid-April date.

Your organization can participate by being a part of the new ”Love Your Heart @ Home Program. ”Love Your Heart@Home is a new component to the county’s initiative to promote heart health. The Live Well San Diego will be hosting virtual events and activities during the month of February. Visit: LoveYourHeartSD.org.

The CDC states that the 2nd dose guidance states that people can get it within 6 weeks.

The vaccine website was launched – My Turn statewide website, to register for the vaccine that are available in English and Spanish. Website: https://myturn.ca.gov. More languages to come. It is suggested that you use Chrome over Internet Explorer.

The state is working towards processes to streamline, improve, and expedite the administration of the vaccines.

After Phase 1B tier 1, depending on vaccine eligibility the state may recommend that future groups become eligible on age-based criteria. Stay tuned.

Per the CDC, the COVID-19 vaccination will help protect people from getting COVID-19. There may be some side effects, which are normal signs that your body is building protection. These side effects may affect your ability to do daily activities, but they should go away in a few days. In most cases, discomfort from fever or pain is normal.

Contact your doctor or healthcare provider: If the redness or tenderness where you got the shot increases after 24 hour hours or if your side effects are worrying you or do not seem to be going away after a few days.

“Essential workers” are those who conduct a range of operations and services in industry that are essential to ensure the continuity of critical functions in the United States. Essential workers were originally described by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency’s – "Guidance on the Essential Critical Infrastructure Workforce: Ensuring Community and National Resilience in COVID-19 Response." There is some overlap; for example, Education Sector is not considered Critical Infrastructure, but Education is considered essential service.

COVID-19 vaccine eligibility is based on federal and state guidance and recommendations from the county’s COVID-19 Vaccine Advisory Group. Information on specific essential worker categories can be found on the State website.

At the time of your appointment, you must present photo ID/documentation that establishes you meet the eligibility requirements to receive COVID-19 vaccination.

In addition to an employee ID badge, other accepted documents for Phase1A healthcare worker identification include:

Eligibility criteria for other Phases will be shared at www.coronavirus-sd.com/vaccine.

Hotel workers managing or servicing hotels or other commercial and residential buildings that are used for COVID-19 mitigation and containment measures, treatment measures, provide accommodation for essential workers, or providing housing solutions, including measures to protect homeless populations are listed within the State’s “Essential Critical Infrastructure Workers List” as part of sector 13-Industrial, Commercial, Residential, and Sheltering Facilities and Services. This sector is in Phase 1B Tier 2 for the COVID-19 vaccine.

Individuals age 75 and over, who do not have access to the internet and VaccinationSuperStationSD.com, can call 2-1-1 by phone for assistance in making an appointment for the COVID-19 vaccine.

Per the Public Health Order, if an employer becomes aware that an employee is diagnosed with COVID-19 they must promptly notify the County Department of Public Health. Employers can report information by completing the online COVID-19 notification form. It is recommended for businesses to only provide notice of the exposure to any employees, and contractors (who regularly work at the workplace). Reporting individual cases to the County satisfies the AB685 (Chapter 84, Statutes of 202) California law that requires employers to report workplace outbreaks to the local health department.

Industrial, Commercial, Residential, and Sheltering Facilities and Services sector is in Phase 1B Tier 2 for the COVID-19 vaccine.

Distribution of COVID-19 vaccine will be done in phases broadly determined by the CDC. More detailed Tiers are determined by California’s Drafting Guidelines Workgroup, which are then shared with the State’s Community Vaccine Advisory Committee. The meetings of the Community Vaccine Advisory Committee will be conducted virtually and open to the public to listen-only mode. All meetings will be noticed on the CDPH website in advance and summaries of the committee’s meetings will also be posted. Inquiries may be sent to COVID19vaccineeoutreach@cdph.ca.gov.

NOTE: For the COVID-19 vaccine phases visit coronavirus-sd.com/vaccine for most up-to-date information on COVID-19 vaccine phases.

People employed in the County of San Diego are eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine from County sites regardless of living outside San Diego County.

The California Department of Public Health guidance mandates that face coverings be worn at all times when outside of the home, unless one or more exceptions apply.

Districts 2, (Our District) 3 and 4 have already allocated all of their funding and are no longer accepting applications.

Cal Coast is hosting a free webinar for business owners on February 17th!

Join us to discuss the simple steps you can take to successfully manage your business during the pandemic and what resources and services are available today to help your business during these difficult times. Topics will include managing your finances effectively, operational best practices and the current financial assistance resources available to you as a business owner.

Presented by Rob Disotell - Chief Lending Officer, California Coast Credit Union

Wednesday, February 17 | 12pm | Registration: www.calcoastcu.org/financial-wellness/workshops

This week, District Attorney Summer Stephan joined State Senator Pat Bates in reintroducing legislation to keep sex offender court hearings open to the public.

Victims, families, and the public should have the right to witness such hearings.

Read more about SB 248, here. 

Now that students are all spending more time online due to distance learning and COVID-19, they are a captive audience for would-be human traffickers making contact on social media, which means we have to expand our efforts to educate them to prevent them from falling victim to predators. 

These red flags are common with some adolescents that should be taken seriously:

Parents/guardians are also on the frontlines when it comes to all forms of child abuse and exploitation, whether online or in person - children and adolescents often do not feel vulnerable or understand and appreciate what risks they may face form online or in person victimization. 

Click here to read some important recommendations from the FBI, to help parents keep their children safe online.

WATCH: DA Summer Stephan provides tips for parents, here.

The Cal Coast Cares Foundation has announced that over $90,000 in scholarships will be awarded this year. Applications are being accepted until April 16, 2021. The non-profit foundation provides scholarships ranging from $2,000 to $2,500 to graduating high school seniors and foster students in San Diego and Riverside counties to reach their goal of pursuing higher education. To view the requirements and to apply, students can visit here: www.calcoastcu.org/community/cal-coast-cares-foundation

The Cal Coast Cares Foundation awards scholarships to both high school seniors who have proven dedication to academic excellence and community leadership as well as current and former foster youth. Recipients of first-year foster student scholarships are eligible for second-year scholarships as long as they meet certain minimum academic requirements.

“Cal Coast was founded by teachers and we are proud of our legacy of supporting the entire education community, including teachers, staff, students and families,” said Cal Coast President & CEO and Board Member for the Foundation Todd Lane. “With the student scholarships, we hope to help local students in pursuing their educational goals and ease the financial burden, especially in these challenging times.”

Established in 2015, the Cal Coast Cares Foundation is a non-profit organization that provides scholarship opportunities for local students and grants for educators. You can learn more or help students and teachers by donating to the Cal Coast Cares Foundation here: www.calcoastcu.org/community/cal-coast-cares-foundation

You are able to order food for “take out” and you may “pick up” meals at these restaurants. You may check the websites of these restaurants to see what food delivery services they use to make your dining experience easy and convenient.