The La Mesa Chamber is happy to offer restaurants a grant opportunity via Uber Eats program, “Eat Local Support Effort” that will provide $20+ million in financial commitments over the next 6 months to restaurants as the pandemic continue to shake the industry. As part of the program, LISC, will administer the $4.5 million Restaurant Grant Program that will help restaurant partners in the U.S. get through the economic crisis caused by COVID-19. Applications are now being accepted. Apply here. Applications must be submitted by Sunday, February 28 at 11:59 p.m.ET. 

These grants may be used for but not limited to paying rent, utilities, payroll, paying outstanding debt to vendors, upgrading technology infrastructure and other immediate operational costs.

The Uber Eats Restaurant Grant Program will support restaurants active on Uber Eats or Postmates as of January 1, 2021, in any U.S. city with financial challenges related to the pandemic. Details are listed with the application.

The County Board of Supervisors approved a plan to prepare for implementing the third round of funding for small business that will be contingent upon the county receiving federal or state stimulus dollars. The total funding approved is $30 million, allowing $6 million for each of the five districts. The grants would be an extension of a $47.5 million Small Business Stimulus Grant Program that was approved last year. Approving this item now will allow the county ready to distribute grants quickly when and if it is received. Last year’s stimulus program received 8,843 applicants but could provide only 7,668 grants. 

The Board of Supervisors voted on a plan to provide an additional $52.2 million for rental assistance to county residents impacted by the pandemic. The money is the county’s share of $1.5 billion generated by state Senate Bill 91 and is in addition to $48.8 million in federal funds the county received last month, bringing the total assistance to more than $100 million. The funds will be available to renters throughout the county except for residents of the cities of San Diego, which received $49 million in the state’s allocation, and Chula Vista, which received $8 million. Under state guidelines, priorities will be given to households at or below 50 percent of the area’s median income, which would be $57,000 for a family of four or $50,000 for a single person. People who have been unemployed for 90 days also will be given a priority. Also, under the state’s design, landlords who participate in the program will receive up to 80 percent of unpaid rent from April 2020 through March 2021 but must forgive the remaining 20 percent.

Join us in welcoming Evolve Treatment Centers to our chamber and the business community!

Date: Wednesday, March 10, 2021

Time: 12 noon

Location: 10525 Fuerte Drive, La Mesa CA 91941

RSVP at: rsvp@lamesachamber.com

Masks will be required and social distancing will be practiced.

Evolve Treatment Centers offer the highest quality teen rehab centers and outpatient treatment programs available for adolescents 12 to 17 years old struggling with mental health, substance abuse, or behavior issues. See their virtual brochure.

Take this opportunity to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, meet others during this virtual evening mixer and have fun! This celebration will happen on Thursday, March 11th from 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. and allow you to network and meet folks “virtually.” What better time to hoist a beverage of your choice in the privacy of your home or office - safely and have some fun? Stay tuned - more information to follow!

On Monday, February 8th the Governor visited the Petco Park Vaccination Superstation where more than 5,000 San Diegans from eligible groups are vaccinated each day. The Governor praised the demonstrated leadership in San Diego that is leading the State of California that was the first county, the first city, to put a site together like Petco Park. On this same day the COVID tracking report listed 698 new cases, a number that was the lowest single-day, new case total reported by the county health department since November 12, 2020. Source: The San Diego Union Tribune – Lauren J. Mapp 

CDC has learned of reports that some people have experienced severe allergic reactions – also known as anaphylaxis – after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine. If you have had a severe allergic reaction to any ingredient in an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine, you should not get either of the currently available mRNA COVID-19 vaccines. If you had a severe allergic reaction after getting the first dose of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine, CDC recommends you should not get the second dose. To learn more about COVID-19 vaccines & allergic reactions visit the CDC website.

CDPH launched MY TURN statewide in English and Spanish. This is the site for people to schedule their COVID-19 vaccinations. It is suggested to use CHROME instead of Internet Explorer.

Per the CDPH guidance, individuals who test positive for SRS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, and have symptoms, may return to work or school when: At least 10 days have passed since symptoms first appeared, AND at least 24 hours have passed with no fever (without the use of fever-reducing medications) AND other symptoms have improved. Individuals who test positive for SARS-CoV-2 who never develop symptoms, may return to work or school 10 days after the date of their first positive test for SARS-CoV-2.

AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine uses an inactivated virus to carry DNA, more stable than mRNA, to do the same thing that produces protein to make antibodies. It is 70% effective. Some early data shows it can prevent COVID-19 transmissibility. The County is still waiting for CDC guidance.

Per the CDC, antibody tests determine if you had a past infection with COVID-19. Antibody tests should not be used to diagnose a current infection. For information about antibody test results see the CDC webpage and talk to your health care provider. Whether you test positive or negative for COVID-19 on a viral or antibody test, you still should take steps to protect yourself and others: wear a mask, physical distance, avoid crowds, avoid indoor spaces, wash hands, clean and disinfect.

Please see www.coronavirus-sd.com/vaccine for vaccination eligibility information. Guidance will be available when the next phase is eligible for the vaccine. Proof of vaccination eligibility (photo ID and documentation) will be required for essential workers. 

It is important to follow isolation guidance if a person tests positive for COVID-19. Other members of the same household should follow quarantine guidance. Until the person leaves isolation, the family member in quarantine can still be infected. 

CalOSHA oversees workplace safety and health regulations in California required for employers to protect workers exposed to infectious diseases like COVID-19. Employers are encouraged to sign up for a Cal/OSHA Consultation Services Webinar that addressed employer responsibilities under the new regulations and a COVID-19 Prevention Program (CPP). 

Businesses that transition into a day camp model should follow the CDPH guidance and the guidance on outdoor and indoor youth and recreational adults’ sports. Day Camp Businesses should also have their County Safe Reopening Plan available and update as needed.

Governor Gavin Newsom signed legislation to extend the state’s landmark eviction moratorium through June 30, 2021, protecting millions of Californians struggling as a result of the economic hardships brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Informal caregivers can contact their doctor or provider to request a letter verifying them as a caregiver. If a client is part of the San Diego Regional Center, then they can request a verification letter.

We wanted to inform you about a bill that has been created by our Senator Brian Jones. This bill SB 397 requires the Governor and local governments to treat religious services as an essential service during any declared state of emergency and prohibited the state from discriminating against any religious organization. Below is the memo from our Senator and if you wish to comment and/or support SB 397, click here.

From Senator Jones: Religious Services are Essential

Senator Brian W. Jones (R-Santee) introduced Senate Bill 397‚ a measure which would classify religious services as an essential activity during a declared state of emergency and ensure that the government does not take any discriminatory actions against religious organizations.

The First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution guarantees religious freedom and the right to peaceably assemble. However‚ since Governor Newsom first declared a state of emergency due to COVID-19‚ many of his executive actions have consistently included prohibitions on the operation of religious services.

Despite the fact that all Americans hold a right to the free exercise of religion‚ California has placed more stringent restrictions on religious services than on other industries they have deemed essential.

SB 397 requires the Governor and local governments to treat religious services as an essential service during any declared state of emergency and prohibits the state from discriminating against any religious organizations. Furthermore‚ SB 397 requires any burden placed on religious organizations to be the least restrictive means of furthering a compelling government interest.

This bill ensures that religious organizations are treated fairly and allowed to operate within the same restrictions placed upon other essential services‚ while still allowing room for government to set safety parameters to further public health needs.

The bill is co-sponsored by the California Family Council‚ California Resource Institute‚ Judeo-Christian Caucus‚ and Real Impact. It is supported by Alliance Defending Freedom‚ Calvary Chapel Chino Hills‚ and the Salt & Light Council.

If you’d like to weigh-in with your support of SB 397‚ please send me an email here.

On Wednesday, February 10th the County Board of Supervisors agreed to a $2.9 land purchase of the El Monte parcels from the Helix Water District. The Board also agreed to proceed with a funding plan in March providing approximately $6 million for additional improvements to the parcels, including restoring open space, cleaning up homeless encampments, removing non-native landscaping, and installing trails and restore ball fields. Chairman Fletcher agreed to work with Supervisor Anderson on a Board letter in March funding these improvements. The proposed sand mining plant adjacent to the El Monte/Helix parcels. That proposal is currently going through environmental and community review. 

The Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigation Division (IRS-CI) is warning California taxpayers about a new wave of COVID-19-related scams as the agency delivers the second round of Economic Impact Payments.

In the last several months, IRS-CI has seen a variety of Economic Impact Payment (EIP) scams and other financial schemes designed to steal money and personal information from taxpayers. Criminals are taking advantage of the second round of Economic Impact Payments – as well as the approaching filing season – to trick honest taxpayers out of their hard-earned money.

“Fraudsters beware! The IRS-CI Los Angeles Field Office is on high-alert regarding the recent Economic Impact Payment scams designed to steal money from American taxpayers who are in need of the ongoing COVD-19 economic relief efforts,” said IRS-CI L.A. Field Office Special Agent in Charge Ryan Korner. We will work tirelessly with our law enforcement partners to identify the perpetrators of these schemes and they will be brought to justice. We ask all California taxpayers to remain vigilant and spread the word to avoid becoming the victim of these criminal schemes designed to steal your money and personal information.”

 Some common COVID-19 scams include:

Although criminals are constantly changing their tactics, taxpayers can help protect themselves by acting as the first line of defense. The best way to avoid falling victim to a scam is knowing how the IRS communicates with taxpayers. The IRS does not send unsolicited texts or emails. The IRS does not call people with threats of jail or lawsuits, nor does it demand tax payments on gift cards.

IRS-CI continues investigating hundreds of COVID-19-related cases with law enforcement agencies domestically and abroad and educating taxpayers about scams.

COVID-19 scams should be reported to the National Center for Disaster Fraud(NCDF) Hotline at 1-866-720-5721 or submitted through the NCDF Web Complaint Form. The NCDF is a national coordinating agency within the Department of Justice’s Criminal Division dedicated to improving the detection, prevention, investigation and prosecution of criminal conduct related to natural and man-made disasters and other emergencies.

Taxpayers can also report fraud or theft of their Economic Impact Payments to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA). Reports can be made online at TIPS.TIGTA.GOV.

Taxpayers who receive unsolicited emails or social media attempts to gather information that appear to be from either the IRS or an organization closely linked to the IRS, should forward the message to phishing@irs.gov. Taxpayers are encouraged not to engage potential scammers online or on the phone.

To learn more about COVID-19 scams and other financial schemes visit IRS.gov. Official IRS information about COVID-19 and Economic Impact Payments can be found on the Coronavirus Tax Relief page, which is updated frequently.

All media requesting a follow-up interview with IRS-CI L.A. Field Office representatives, contact Public Affairs Officer Suzanna Brugler at Suzanna.brugler@ci.irs.gov.

Want to become a Justice Business? The new mentorship program designed by Youth For Christ San Diego is meant to sharpen the job preparedness skills of the highest-risk teens from some of the lowest socio-economic areas of San Diego County. If you are a San Diego business, willing to partner with us to expose kids to the workforce, please contact us! Studies show that kids who are equipped with job preparedness, are less likely to engage in crime and not recycle into incarceration. We are excited to cross-market with you in this partnership through a PR program we have prepared for this spring! Be a part of something that makes a difference…become a Justice Business today! Contact us for more details: Amy Conrad at aconrad@yfc.net.

Desperate to reopen sooner than later, California theme parks are hoping a state bill unveiled last week will persuade Gov. Gavin Newsom to ease guidelines that for now require a huge drop in new COVID-19 cases before park operations could resume. Under the current color-coded system governing how and when businesses can reopen, large theme parks like Disneyland, SeaWorld, Legoland and Knott’s Berry Farm cannot welcome back any guests until COVID-19 infection rates in their home counties drop to where there is less than one new case per 100,000 population per day. Two Assembly members from Southern California have introduced AB420, which calls on Newsom to adjust the tiered system so that parks could reopen once a county enters the orange tier- the second least restrictive of four tiers. The metric for falling into that level is a 1 to 3.9 daily new cases per 100,000, a rate that is still not even close to current conditions. In San Diego County, the current daily case rate, adjusted for how much testing the region is doing, is a little over 40 cases per 100,000. Source: The San Diego Union Tribune – Lori Weisberg.

As your financial service partner, maintaining the trust of our members is a top priority. This is especially important during times of uncertainty such as those we may be observing with COVID-19. Therefore, we are hosting our Financial Wellness Wednesdays presentations online instead of in-person.

SDCCU is proud to host Financial Wellness Wednesdays. Join us for free webinars presented by SDCCU representatives on the following topics and more:

For kids/teens, here is our free Bizkid$ Programs that help kids/teens learn about finances and money management at sdccu.com/bizkids. The online site includes YouTube videos, quizzes, games, worksheets, and more.

You are invited to be a part of Chair Nathan Fletcher's State of the County address on February 18, 2021 at 7:00 p.m. Please RSVP today, to find out how to watch the Chair discuss the current state of our county, including plans for recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Invite your friends and family to join you by clicking on the "forward to a friend" icon at the top of the email. You can also tell your friends about the State of San Diego County address by sharing images from this link: State of the County Social Media Content

Unfortunately, Criminals are using the COVID-19 emergency to steal personal and medical information from people across the country, especially the most vulnerable, the elderly population.

Please be vigilant about recognizing scams that are attempting to steal your personal information and your money. You should not respond to unsolicited requests to conduct COVID-19 testing, obtain a COVID-19 vaccine, or provide your personal and medical information.

CLICK here for more important tips on how to avoid COVID-19 vaccine scams.

Swipe left or swipe right? Texting or sexting? Dating and romance, or Stalking? Join us for a discussion about safe and healthy relationships during this digital age. Click here to RSVP for this virtual Zoom event.

As part of the Livable La Mesa Age Friendly project, the City of La Mesa Community Relations and Veterans Commission will host a virtual resource fair for older adults, their family members and caregivers on Wednesday, February 24 at 6:00 PM. The 90 minute virtual event will foster dialog on the effects of COVID-19 on the everyday lives of older adults. Experts from the County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency, Oasis and the San Diego County Library will be on hand to provide tips and tools as well as resources including food access, transportation, fitness, technology, mental health, and combating social isolation. The event is free to watch on Zoom at https://zoom.us/j/93872688513 or listen by phone by calling 669.900.6833 webinar ID: 938 7268 8513.

For more information, to submit questions for speakers or for help accessing Zoom contact Megan Howell at mhowell@cityoflamesa.us by noon on February 22nd.

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!

As we continue to take on the challenges presented by the #coronavirus pandemic, the health and safety of Californians remains a top priority for the @ca_dmv. The majority of DMV tasks can now be completed through our new and improved website, or at DMV Now kiosks located in supermarkets conveniently across the state. Stay home, stay safe!

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.