In case you missed last week's email blast: June 9 Eblast

As we begin the road to recovery together, it is important to reflect on the last year. We all had our own individual challenges and learned that this community is strong and our business community is resilient. It is important to capture some data that identifies the direct impacts of COVID. As the City of La Mesa looks to spending portions of the $10.8 million of American Rescue Plan Act funds, it is our hope that some of those funds may be directed to small businesses and nonprofits throughout the City of La Mesa. However, we need to collect information from all of you to see if there is a need, and identify that need. Be sure and pass this survey on to other business within the City of La Mesa to share their opinion, as well.

Answer questions on the survey NOW! Tell us how COVID-19 has impacted your life and business, and if you need any type of assistance. Until we know what your needs are, it is difficult to ask for any portion of these funds. Tell us how funding would help with your economic recovery. We are all in this together!

Survey: tinyurl.com/lamesabizsurvey2021

Small Business Stimulus Grant Funding is Available NOW From the County of San Diego – We Are District 2

The County of San Diego has received funds from the federal government’s American Recovery Plan Act. This grant is to provide economic assistance to help businesses and non-profit entities impacted by COVID-19. This financial assistance will be allocated to eligible, qualified small businesses and nonprofit entities based on the availability of funds, program guideline, and the submission of all required information and supporting documentation.

Supervisor Joel Anderson District 2 Supervisor has asked chambers to assist with the paperwork for small businesses to complete the submission application. The La Mesa Chamber of Commerce is happy to help. The La Mesa Chamber has decided to take an extra step in this grant funding process and the recovery of our businesses in La Mesa and announce immediately:

The La Mesa Chamber of Commerce believes that assisting ALL businesses in their recovery from the pandemic and ability to obtain funds from the American Recovery Plan Act should be a priority. We are ALL in this together! Chamber Members and Non-Chamber members, effective immediately, may receive help from Mary England, President & CEO of the La Mesa Chamber of Commerce in filling out all paperwork and answering any questions you may have. Mary may be reached 7 days a week –Maryengland@lamesachamber.com or 619-251-7730 to assist you.

We have attached the Small Business Stimulus Grant package and provided the link so that you may find the information. The link is: tinyurl.com/smallbizstimulusgrant

If you are NOT sure of how to answer questions on the application or need assistance on clarifying what documents you need to submit – contact Mary England at Maryengland@lamesachamber.com or (619) 251-7730, we are happy to help!

NOTE: If you applied for and received county funds under the other Small Business Stimulus Grant, allocated from the CARES Act funding – YES you may apply for these funds, you just need to list the amount you received from the county on the application.

The California Spirits Company modified their production of alcohol during the pandemic. Like so many manufacturers, they modified their production to “step up” and manufacture hand sanitizer to assist communities during the COVID-19 pandemic. As the state looked to reopen, they were left with 8 pallets of hand sanitizer, all in 1-gallon jugs,192 gallons per pallet. They wanted to donate them to a neighbor, as they needed to get back to producing spirits.  They reached out to local organizations to help them find a ”home” for this hand sanitizer. The La Mesa Chamber is happy to announce that in our search to help California Spirits give these bottles to someone, we found “taker,” Sharp Grossmont Hospital.

A LOUD round of Applause to Casey Miles, the owner of California Spirits and the “go to” person Kimberly Atherton, the Compliance Manager, who put the entire deal together, including the delivery. Thank you for taking this extra step to be of help to our community!

Termite and Pest Control services

828 Grand Ave, Spring Valley, CA 91977

(858) 400-8555 | www.wildwildpestcontrol.com

Credit Union located in San Diego, Sacramento, Alameda, Santa Clara and Yolo counties to provide financial wellness, all banking needs from checking accounts, retirement products/planning and more.

8216 Parkway Dr., Ste. 103, La Mesa, CA 91942

(619) 843-0965 | www.usecu.org

Photography graduate from San Diego City College.

(619) 990-8364 | www.eviezphotography.com

Local Sterling Silver Jewelry company supporting women’s causes with every sale. Local artisans make our stone and silver sterling bracelets and necklaces in multiple sizes and lengths.

10706 Challenge Blvd., La Mesa, CA 91941

(619) 961-0287 | Reventiadesigns.com

Rogue Salon is a full service salon catering to industry professionals and their guests. Services include color, cut, style, lashes, waxing, nails, and facials. Appointments only.

7520 El Cajon Blvd Ste. 300, La Mesa, CA 91942

(619) 439-2040 | wwww.roguelamesa.com

Business Complete Solutions has become San Diego’s largest office equipment company by combining the most advanced products and technology, with the most superior approach to maintenance. The result is office equipment that performs beautifully, with the highest level of consistency.

13750 Danielson St., Poway, CA 92064

(858) 668-0809 | www.bc.solutions

12225 Fuerte Dr., El Cajon, CA 92020

(619) 493-8499

If you haven't had your roof inspected recently, we're here to help. Maintaining your roof is a low-cost way of ensuring that your home and your family stay safe.

1003 Maria Ave., Spring Valley, CA 91977

(619) 985-7663 | sandiegoexpertroofing.com

The East County Art Association is a non-profit (501 C3) group composed of professional and fine artists as well as admirers of the arts, and supporters of the development of fine art in San Diego’s beautiful East County.

124 E. Main St., El Cajon, CA 92020

(619) 499-7758 | eastcountyart.org

What are you waiting for? It’s time to get together again! Make plans to come out and see friends and meet new ones at the 7th Annual "Summer Bash" Business Expo. This is an excellent opportunity to meet members of the business community and see what goods and services they offer and enter a chance to win FREE Door Prizes from each business vendor. We have not been able to hold this annual Business Expo since 2019, so we are eager to offer this GREAT evening where we all can see each other again. Join us and have some fun, see friends and sample some great food. To celebrate this GREAT opportunity to “get together again” tickets are only $10 a piece and we have a new venue, our Chamber Member hotel, the Courtyard by Marriott San Diego El Cajon. We will use the ballroom and the outdoor courtyard! As in the past all vendor space will be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis.

We have an ADDED BONUS this year: All vendor tables reserved and paid for by June 28th will be entered into an “Early Bird” raffle for a gift basket valued at $200 - that includes gift cards and more!

Location: Courtyard by Marriott San Diego El Cajon

141 N. Magnolia Ave., El Cajon

Time: 5:00 p.m. – 8:00p.m.

Tickets: $10 per person

Note: This is a 21-year or older event.

For details, visit summerbash.lamesachamber.com.

Sponsorships still available – Call Mary England 619-251-7730 or maryengland@lamesachamber.com

Union Bank

Courtyard by Marriott San Diego El Cajon

Photos courtesy of: Sandra Small/ Photographer and www.CeCePhoto.com.

As California prepares for wildfire season, AT&T is working with their stakeholders to help communities across the State have resources to stay connected, including preparation for Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS), initiated by energy companies.

AT&T is asking the La Mesa Chamber and other organizations to help to deliver practical information and resources, including tips and resources, via electronic communications and other media. Attached is the “Staying Connected without Power” flyer for your information.

Join us and welcome TownePlace Suites by Marriott San Diego Downtown to our Chamber and meet Rachel Lynch, Director of Sales, as she hosts tours and shows us this beautiful new hotel. This unique hotel offers extended stays near the Gaslamp Quarter and Balboa Park. The downtown suites feature an urban-inspired fitness center, kitchen or kitchenettes, microwave and stovetop in kitchens and rooms with two queen beds, a single king bed, or King Suite with an extra sofa bed. For our evening mixer and ribbon cutting, guests will receive complimentary parking in the lot next door, great hors d’ oeuvres, a complimentary champagne toast, ”happy hour” priced beverages, and raffles and prizes throughout the evening. Bring your business cards and mix and mingle.

Time: 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Ribbon cutting at 6:15 p.m.

Location: TownePlace Suites by Marriott San Diego Downtown

1445 Sixth Street, San Diego

Complimentary Parking in the lot next door!

Cost: FREE to members - $5 for guests

This special celebration was led by David Armour, Executive Directive of Westmont of La Mesa. The United States flag was adopted on June 14, 1777, by resolution of the Second Continental Congress. It is also the official birthday of the U.S. Army. Our flag represents the ideals that were established by our forefathers when our great country was founded. The U.S. flag represents Freedom, Liberty, and Justice.

The day began with the Color Guard from the U.S. Navy, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by resident veteran, Ed Bowen. The National Anthem was sung by Rachel Reid, Business Office Supervisor for Sharp Hospice Care.

Westmont La Mesa has created an Honor Wall in partnership with Sharp Hospice Care. The photos of the veterans are proudly displayed on this wall at the facility. Sharp Hospice and Palliative Care arranged for a photo session of the resident veterans. The veterans’ range between the ages 80’s to mid 90’s and have served in Korea, WWII or within the United States.  These local heroes have their photos displayed on this special “Honor Wall.”

All of these veterans were recognized and had a photo taken, two have passed away and were recognized for their service during the program. In addition, there are 5 veterans that have recently moved into Westmont Living and were part of the celebration and recognized. At the conclusion of the ceremony, guests were invited to enjoy a reception, with a delicious array of appetizers which included shrimp cocktail, antipasto skewers with artichoke hearts and caprese pesto crostini.

Photos courtesy of Sandra Small/ Photographer.

La Mesa will hold a special election by mail only on November 2 to fill the seat vacated by City Councilwoman Akilah Weber, who won a special election in April to represent the 79th Assembly District. The City Council held a special meeting last week to discuss the matter, but had little choice, since it had voted last month to bypass making an appointment and instead allowing voters to decide. By law, the La Mesa City Council had to make a resolution to call the election by the middle of this month. Election law says that for La Mesa to hold a special election, it must be called 60 days from when Weber resigned from her seat. Weber’s vacant seat on the City Council has a remaining term of about 19 months and will be up for election at the November 8, 2022, general election. The City Council also approved regulations for candidates and their statements to be submitted to voters. Those seeking Weber’s seat will have from July 12 through August 6 to submit necessary campaign filings. To get the largest number of voters and possibly save on costs, the City Council was looking to tie the election to the planned recall election of California Governor Gavin Newsom, but that date has not been set. City Councilmembers Colin Parent and Bill Baber are putting an item on the June 22 agenda to direct La Mesa city staff to reach out to the state to request that a change be made to allow cities to consolidate with the recall election. Source – The San Diego Union Tribune by Karen Pearlman.  

Coming as it did, on the eve of June15, the day that most pandemic restrictions fell, several medical stations were being closed. It is the growing success of California’s vaccination campaign that provides confidence that the state is no longer tiptoeing along an endless COVID-19 tightrope. According to the state’s vaccine dashboard, about 66 percent of residents age 12 and older have received at least one dose, and the Governor said that the state has crossed the threshold set by the President of 70 percent of all adults. Last week the region’s vaccine tracker ticked past 2.1 million, which represents 75 percent of the 2.8 million San Diego County residents ages12 and older.

This is the local “herd” immunity threshold said to represent a point at which the virus will have a hard time spreading very far or very quickly. The vaccination campaign is to reach that mark by the Fourth of July. Source – Portions were taken from The San Diego Union Tribune - Paul Sisson. Photo: Workers from Cal-Mat dismantle one of beds on the 10th floor of Palomar Medical Center. The floor was used as a federal aid station for the coronavirus. Charlie Neuman / For The San Diego Union-Tribune

Though pandemic restriction fell across the state, June 15th did not bring a total unmasking in San Diego. While bar, restaurant and gym patrons seemed the most anxious to move into a more-open way of living, many noses remained covered in grocery stores and other venues where those who are fully vaccinated, no longer need to mask up. There was a lot of celebrating as June 15th arrived. Sadly, no one living in San Diego County was among the 10 $1.5 million winners in the state’s Vax for the Win sweepstakes. More than 200 people gathered at the County Administration Center early on June 15th to mark the reopening of San Diego businesses and offices. With live music and free breakfast, burritos and coffee, the event indicated a return to public life. Others celebrated in their own private way, but one thing was for sure – we can see faces again and communicate without a mask. Source – The San Diego Union Tribune - U.T. Staff.

California’s circuitous journey to relaxing coronavirus-related workplace safety rules finally reached its destination when the state moved to end physical-distancing requirements for all workers and allow most fully vaccinate employees in many workplaces to stop wearing masks.

The Governor signed an executive order almost immediately, after the decision by the Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board took a vote to allow this action. The revisions were scheduled to take effect without the typical waiting period. Workplaces still will be required to provide masks to workers who are not fully vaccinated for COVID-19 and make sure they wear them while indoors or in shared workplace vehicles. Unvaccinated workers generally will be able to take off their masks indoors only if they’re alone or eating or drinking.

The approved standards also do away with the requirement for solid, cleanable partitions designed to reduce viral transmission, such as the plastic barriers that separate customers and cashiers. Unvaccinated individuals, however, are still required to mask up in public indoor settings. Everyone, regardless of inoculation status, has to wear face covering while taking public transportation, in healthcare settings, and long-term care facilities, indoors at K-12 schools, in childcare facilities or other youth settings, in homeless shelters, emergency shelters, and cooling centers, and in correctional facilities and detention centers.

The President, under pressure to aggressively address the global coronavirus vaccine shortage, announced that his administration bought 500 million doses of the Pfizer vaccine and will donate them among about 100 countries over the next year. The first 200 million doses will be distributed by the end of the year, followed by 300 million by next June. The doses will be distributed through Covax, the international vaccine-sharing initiative. Source – The San Diego Union Tribune – Sharon Lafraniere, Sheryl Gay Stolberg & Noah Weiland.

The draft 2021 Regional Plan is available for public comment from May 28 through July 30, 2021. During this time, we courage you to engage, attend a virtual open house, read the plan, and leave a public comment.

SANDAG is hosting a series of virtual open houses throughout the month of June to give residents the opportunity to ask questions and learn more about the draft 2021 Regional Plan. The informational open houses will feature a presentation about the benefits of the draft 2021 Regional Plan and attendees are encouraged to join the meeting focused closest to their residence. Simultaneous interpretation in Spanish will be provided. Registration is not required.

Informational open houses are scheduled for: (click to join virtually)

To learn more and participate in these events, visit SDForward.com.

To join the open house by telephone dial+1 669 900 6833 and use webinar ID: 987 9265 8224. International numbers are available at: https://zoom.us/u/abSVhX79ZC

Public comments on the draft 2021 Regional Plan can be submitted through July 30:

The draft 2021 Regional Plan is a long-term blueprint for the San Diego region that seeks to improve quality of life, address social equity, and preserve our environment for generations to come. It is designed to reimagine the San Diego region with a transformative transportation system, a sustainable pattern of growth and development, and innovative demand and management strategies.

The draft 2021 Regional Plan outlines the key strategies, projects, and priorities being explored to enhance the region’s transportation, equity, and climate action goals through a more connected transportation system for all San Diegans.

Are you up to speed? Check out this quick video:

During the San Diego County Board of Supervisors’ June 8 approval of a framework allocating more than $653 million in funds from the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA), Supervisor Joel Anderson was the sole vote against spending $36 million in “COVID Bonuses,” for County public employees. The measure required 4 affirmative votes to pass.

Supervisor Anderson noted that his East County district had some of the highest areas of poverty, even prior to the COVID pandemic.

 “Although I appreciate the hard work and passion County employees demonstrate in serving the public, we should not pay COVID BONUSES to individuals whose average pay and benefits are over $124,000, and not one employee lost their job, unlike 100,000 San Diegans.”

The County will use $33 million in ARPA funding to assist eligible small businesses with 20 or fewer full-time employees. An estimated 100,000 employees in San Diego County lost their jobs during the pandemic, many of them in the service sector. Small businesses account for approximately 95% of all businesses in the region, and over half of the region’s employment base.

Supervisor Joel Anderson shared, “Today was a huge win for the hundreds of San Diego County businesses that faced, and continue to experience, hardships from the COVID-19 pandemic. I am proud of my colleagues for approving this ARPA framework that will provide critical support to the many mom & pop businesses in my district that could use a helping hand during these challenging times.”

Maggie Sleeper re-joins Team Anderson as the Supervisor's new Deputy Chief of Staff. Maggie brings almost two decades of political, policy and industry experience to the job. Previously, Maggie served as a Municipal Infrastructure Advisor for San Diego Gas & Electric. Before that, Maggie spent nearly a decade holding various roles for Assemblyman, then Senator Joel Anderson.

Maggie shared, "I am thrilled to re-join Team Anderson and be back in East County serving the constituents of D2."

It’s time to celebrate as San Diego and California is officially able to do away with mask wearing in most public places. If you have been vaccinated‚ you are no longer required to wear a mask in public‚ except for a few exceptions such as when using mass transit or visiting the inside of a hospital‚ homeless shelter or long term care facility. I know you’ve been looking forward to this day as much as I have‚ and let’s do our best to help local businesses to come roaring back! For more information on the updated mask rule‚ please click here.

Click on the TV story here to see my response to the reopening of California.

As a result of the recent decision by two superior court judges to not place Sexually Violent Predators Merle Wakefield and Douglas Badger at a residential home in Mt. Helix‚ our communities can breathe a sigh of relief. Thank you to all the residents of Mt. Helix who have worked together on this issue. Your lives were turned upside down two months ago by the Department of State Hospitals and Liberty Health Care. You have done a great job in battling back‚ and the wise decision of both judges confirmed that.

For now‚ Badger and Wakefield will not be forced into a residential neighborhood but the concern is where will the Newsom Administration try this next? This game of “Hide the Predator” needs to stop. It’s unfair and upsetting to unsuspecting communities. I intend to introduce legislation that will require transparency in the SVP placement process‚ force state officials own up for their decisions and make public safety the highest priority.

Click on the story here to learn my take on the judge’s decision.

This year has been a hard year for many in our community particularly those who have struggled for months to receive their benefits from the EDD. I wanted to share this story where my office was able to help the Moore’s get their EDD claim approved and get their wedding rings back‚ which they had to pawn to pay for food and shelter. I appreciate the EDD staff who stepped up to help these constituents of District 38 to “tie the knot” again so to speak. Click on the story here to see the happy ending to this story.

These past few weeks have had several positive developments for some of my legislation. I am happy to report that my bill SB 227 to save off-highway vehicle competitions in California‚ has cleared the Senate floor and is on its way to the State Assembly. Competition OHVs have long been registered under the Red Sticker program under the California Air Resources Board‚ which sunsets this year with no plan to replace it. I sincerely appreciate the strong backing our measure has received from a bi-partisan majority of Senators. OHV competitions are a key part of the recreational economies in rural and suburban California and this measure will keep competitions operating throughout the state.

In addition‚ two other bills I introduced unanimously passed off the Senate Floor. SB 358 increases the penalties on persons who steal packages from the porch or entryway of someone’s home. And SB 470 creates a combination hunting and fishing license valid for 365 days.

For more information on these bills and other bills I am authoring this session‚ click here. 

Please take a moment to sign my petition to urge the immediate HALT of the state’s gas tax increase that is set for July 1. With tens of billions in a budget surplus and an economy trying to recover from the impacts of COVID-19 restrictions‚ the last thing the state should do is be raising taxes on its citizens. 

Click here to sign the petition!!

Recently during my El Cajon Town Hall‚ I was joined by Harold Brown‚ the CEO of the East County Transitional Living Center. It was my privilege to recognize Harold and his staff for all the amazing work ECTLC does in the community. Thousands of struggling homeless families have found refuge at ECTLC through its programs because they provide more than just food‚ showers‚ clean clothes‚ and a safe place to stay. They provide people with hope and a compelling reason to improve their situation by encouraging them to understand the role that faith plays in their lives.

Through October 31.

Call for more information: 858-522-1411

Most DMV tasks can now be completed without visiting a field office! The DMV’s new and improved website offers a wide range of services, including vehicle registration renewals, driver’s license renewals, replacement sticker and registration card requests, and notice of transfer and release of liability. You can also complete your REAL ID application on the website before visiting a field office to save time spent in-person.

Many online services are self-serve, meaning you can complete them on your own from start to finish, while other services are “assisted,” meaning they are completed with the help of a DMV representative – but without a visit to an office. Customers can use the service advisor and chat function on the DMV website to learn their options for completing their DMV business.

Prefer not to complete transactions online? Visit a DMV Now kiosk, conveniently located throughout the state, or visit a DMV business partner where you can complete some selected transactions for a fee. You can find a complete list of kiosk locations and certified business partners on the DMV website.

Also, seniors 70 and older, previously required to visit a filed office to renew their driver’s license, can now renew online! The requirement has been waived until further notice so that seniors can complete transactions from the safety of their home.

As Californians continue to deal with the challenges arising from the coronavirus pandemic, the California DMV remains committed to the health and safety of its customers and employees across the state. Visit DMV.CA.GOV to learn more about taking care of your DMV tasks without visiting an office.

While much has changed over the past year, one thing has not – the promise of hot summer temperatures. Now is the perfect time to set your business up for summer energy savings success. Here are tips to get you started:

Visit sdge.com/business-summer to learn about energy pricing plans, energy alerts and demand response programs for your business.

July 15 - TownePlace Suites by Marriott San Diego Downtown Evening Mixer and Ribbon Cutting : 5:30-7pm at 1445 Sixth St., San Diego | Details/RSVP

July 21 - "Summer Bash" Business Expo : 5-8pm at Courtyard by Marriott San Diego El Cajon | Details/RSVP