In 2020 we all experienced a new way of life. The coronavirus pandemic has shuttered the majority of our businesses. Those businesses that are able to stay open, have new requirements of how we are able to dine or shop and conduct our way of doing business with them. 

As we begin 2021, the La Mesa Chamber of Commerce wants to celebrate the brave men and women of our business community. They have been modifying the way they serve their customers (when they are able to stay open) since March 2020. They have not given up on their dream of being a business owner. They have done all that they can to provide jobs and keep their doors open during these unprecedented times and endured the heartbreak that the pandemic has caused. We salute each of you and applaud your resilience and determination and say with a grateful heart, thank you for being a part of our business community.

We encourage you to read this breaking news on relief for California small businesses and take the time to review the grant information and if you qualify, fill out an application NOW! Details Below:

Definition of "eligible small business” can include entities such as:

To learn more about the program and review the Grant Guidelines: CAReliefGrant.com

As we all know, Governor Newsom extended the regional stay-at-home order for Southern California, continuing the ban on all gatherings of people from different households, in-person dining and strict capacity limits at many businesses. This order was extended due to the region’s intensive-care unit capacity at hospitals in areas that dropped below the the percentage allowed and jeopardized the care patients can receive and the potential need to divert ambulances to other facilities due to overcrowding in emergency rooms.

As of Friday January 1st, San Diego County had reported 1,592 deaths - 592 of them since December 1. The surge in new daily infections continues with 4,427 additional cases reported on Saturday, January 2, bringing the total to 164,500 since the pandemic began. A daily record 4,478 new cases were reported on Friday January 1. More than 1,560 coronavirus patients were n San Diego hospital Friday, 380 of them in the ICU. Nationally, an average of just over 2,500 people have died of COVID-19 over the past seven days, according to the Johns Hopkins data.

Do you run a non-profit organization which serves low and moderate-income people who’ve been impacted by the novel coronavirus pandemic? If so, you may qualify for a share of about $4 million from the County Housing and Community Development Services’ Community Development Block Grant (CDBG).

The funds are available for projects in the following areas:

Some further examples of eligible projects are available here.

Champions for Health is offering free influenza immunizations to targeted communities, in partnership with the County of San Diego Health and Human Services and United Healthcare. These efforts are part of our ongoing programs that provide preventative and specialty medical care to underinsured and uninsured populations in the San Diego region. In 2019, we provided residents with 3,063 free flu vaccinations.

Upcoming dates and locations for free flu vaccinations:

Mexican Consulate, 1549 India St, San Diego, CA 92101

El Cajon Valley School, 1035 E. Madison Ave, El Cajon, CA 92021

Mexican Consulate, 1549 India St, San Diego, CA 92101

On Sunday, December 27, President Donald Trump signed the $900 Billion pandemic relief package to assist small businesses and individuals impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Administrators can now move forward with the $600 payments as well as additional needed relief. 

 

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce offers an update on the latest stimulus details and changes to PPP loans as well as this guide to help assist small businesses. Contents in this guide include answers to the following questions:

 

The County of San Diego created a webpage about the COVID-19 vaccine. Here you can learn more about:

Starting December 28, CVS and Walgreens will provide vaccinations to residents and staff in long-term care settings.

The Board of Supervisors approved a $20M relief package offering grants to businesses reeling from current restrictions. The $20M will be split evenly between all 5 Supervisor Districts, leaving each District with $4 million to divide between businesses in each area. This Small Business Stimulus Grant will not need to be repaid and is offered as a lifeline that will keep business from closing their doors for good.

Apply Here: www.sandiegocounty.gov/content/sdc/stimulusgrant

Here are a few of the new laws taking effect in 2021 in California:

Law enforcement will no longer be allowed to wear uniforms that have camouflage or otherwise resemble military uniforms.

It’s already the law that you can’t get caught with your phone in your hand while driving, whether you’re talking or texting, but now the punishment is getting a little stricter. Two convictions in 36 months will add a point to your record starting July 2021.

In California, it’s already against the law to leave a child under 6 in a car unattended. A new law protects people who try and break into the car to rescue the child from civil or criminal liability for property damage or trespassing. 

A law, which is in effect from 2021 to 2023, requires businesses to notify employees and the general public of a coronavirus exposure at the workplace within a day of exposure. 

Prop 19 narrowly passed in the November election, which changes some of California’s laws around property transfer. Starting in February, those who inherit property have to use it as their primary residence or have its tax value reassessed. Starting in April 2021, homeowners 55 or older or those who lost their home in a disaster will as be able to transfer their tax assessment to a more expensive home three times (instead of the currently allowed one time).

Current law requires companies with 50 or more employees to offer 12 weeks of family leave. This law will greatly expand those protections by requiring companies with five or more employees to grant the same amount of family leave.

Assembly Bill 376 implements a host of new protections for student loan borrowers and makes it harder for lenders to take advantage of people who may not know all their rights or how to navigate the wonky system. It goes into effect in July 2021.

While the last few months have been difficult, the spirit of community that makes San Diego so special has never been stronger. To help local businesses, workers and the community recover from the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, The San Diego Union-Tribune invites you to list your business in print and online free of charge.

The City launched the Take-Out to Help-Out marketing campaign. Check out the most recent social media updates on their Instagram page!

If you are a La Mesa restaurant and would like to be featured, please click here for more information.

Please note that there is a short online application to determine eligibility.

Please contact Lyn Dedmon at 619-667-1339 with questions.

This year it was whole new world in court. Hearings have gone virtual due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with all parties appearing remotely. Deputy DA's Philippa Cunningham and Mary Naoom show us what that looks like in this video.

DA Summer Stephan announced in September that all 2,030 untested sexual assault evidence kits from 12 police agencies across the county have been sent to an independent lab for testing, wrapping up a three-year project. As of December 16, 2020, results have come back from 1,935 of the kits. Read more.

Firefighters and medical first responders are in a unique position to join the fight against human trafficking by identifying potential victims and reporting their concerns to law enforcement. 

That is why, in January, DA Summer Stephan announced the roll out of a new video training program to more than 3,000 fire and medical first responders across the county. Read more.

San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan wants to remind the public that there are still important resources available for victims and the public in general during COVID-19. 

You can print this flyer. You can also see a more comprehensive list of resources.

Interested Stakeholder,

The County of San Diego (County) Planning & Development Services (PDS) is sending notice that a Supplemental Environmental Impact Report (Supplemental EIR) will be prepared for the Climate Action Plan Update (CAP). The County is seeking input from the public and agencies on potential environmental impacts of the CAP, ways to mitigate those impacts, and alternatives that may lessen those impacts. The County is also seeking input on potential greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction strategies and measures to be included in the CAP.

The latest CAP documents and information are available at this link: CAP Update. The webpage has been updated with the Notice of Preparation of a Supplemental EIR information and other relevant information to get involved. Comments on the Notice of Preparation will be accepted for 44 days and must be received no later than January 22, 2021. The County is providing 14 extra days due to the holiday season. Information on how to comment is available on the website link above.

The County will hold a virtual Notice of Preparation scoping meeting on January 14, 2021 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. This meeting will provide an overview of the CAP, potential environmental impacts of the CAP, and the CAP process and schedule. Please follow this link for instructions on how to participate in this virtual scoping meeting: CAP Update.

If you would like more information on the 2018 CAP and 2018 CAP Supplemental EIR (2018 CAP SEIR) please follow this link: 2018 CAP.

PDS will follow with another announcement on how to participate in the virtual scoping meeting. Please submit any questions to CAP@sdcounty.ca.gov.

2019 Albariño

2019 Chardonnay

2018 Chenin Blanc

2018 Pinot Gris

2019 Sea Breeze White Blend

(Albariño, Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc & Pinot Gris)

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.