More COVID-19 Updates from the
La Mesa Chamber
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Added Businesses Now Can Reopen
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Dear Member and Business Leader - Exciting Announcement:
As we all work together to move forward on reopening our businesses and stimulating our economy, we are thrilled that the Governor approved an accelerated reopening, state-wide.
San Diego County is one of the counties that can now reopen barbershops and hair salons. This is a HUGE announcement! Guidance for salons and barbershops can be found
here. Remember, as with all other businesses that have reopened in San Diego County, salons and barbershops will need to follow social distancing protocols and complete and post the County’s
Safe Reopening Plan. In addition to this great news the County has announced that houses of worship may also have limited in-person services. Houses of worship are allowed to open but at a limited capacity. The new rules state that houses of worship must limit attendance to 25% of the building’ capacity or 100 congregants, whichever number is lower. The guidelines also recommend to avoiding things like passing around offering plates and even singing and not sharing religious items like holy books, rugs and cushions.
Last week, the SBA released official guidance on PPP loan forgiveness provisions. To have the loan converted to a grant, the lender that processed the businesss PPP loan must submit the
11-page application on behalf of borrowers (businesses). The U.S. Chamber published
this helpful guide to calculate how much of the loan will be forgiven. Loan amounts not forgiven will be converted into a two-year loan at 1% interest. We have sent out
other information on this subject to you in the past week.
There are constant changes and announcements on the pandemic, as well as news on additional opportunities to reopen more of our business community. Please know that we are working night and day to review this information and are committed to bringing it to you as soon as possible. Due to that fact, you will notice that there are times we need to send you more than (1) email blast a week.
Please Stay Healthy and Safe!
Mary
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A Users Guide To Navigating Life In Stage 2
Taken From An Article By Pam Kragen
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With so many announcements, and many details changing from day to day, here are some items that people have been most interested in.
How Safe is it to dine at a restaurant in San Diego County? You will be pleased to know that San Diego’s Public Health Office, Dr. Wilma Wooten stated last week that of the 6,434 diagnosed cases of COVID-19 in San Diego Cunty since March, not one has been traced back to a restaurant offering takeout food.
Have all restaurants in San Diego County reopened? Many restaurants are taking their time and will not reopen immediately. Many will review the county’s reopening protocols and also see how much demand there is for dine-in service. Some restaurant owners are waiting for funds from the Paycheck Protection Program so that they can hire back employees. If you want to see if one of your favorite restaurants has opened for in-dining service, give them a call. Remember – face coverings are required in restaurants when you arrive and move about inside the restaurant. You may remove your mask when you are seated at your table.
What if I don’t want to wear a face covering at a restaurant? You may want to stay home. Restaurants are private property and the owners are following legal and prescribed safety protocols to ensure the safety of their workers and customers. After two months of no income or a small income if they offered takeout meals, their priority is keeping the doors open, even if it means turning away a regular customer exercising their anti-mask freedom beliefs.
Are all retail stores now open again? Not all retail stores are open. Like restaurants they are required to file a safe reopening plan with the county before they can open their doors. Shopping malls are also reopening gradually. Select stores are now open in Grossmont Center. When you now shop, all employees and shoppers are required to wear facial coverings. Some stores will require an outside queue to ensure that there is a safe 6-foot distance between customer inside the store at all times. All high-touch areas will be disinfected routinely. Floors will be taped with queue lines and store clerks must maintain a 6-foot distance from customers. Customers showing a visible sign of COVID-19 will not be allowed to enter. Many stores are installing a touchless point-of-sale device.
Can you catch the coronavirus from the clothing you try on? The Centers For Disease Control does not have any research on how long the virus can survive on clothing, though a recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found it could be detected up to three days after it was applied to surfaces such as cardboard, plastic and stainless steel. Clothing purchase at a store should be laundered immediately and the wearer should wash their hands and wipe down the washing machine and dryer buttons afterward. The CDC recommends washing clothes in very warm or hot water, depending on the fabric need, and drying them thoroughly.
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Loan Forgiveness Requests are About to Rain on Banks
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Bankers are preparing for a flood of applications for loan forgiveness under the U.S. Paycheck Protection Program, marshalling staff to help borrowers navigate a complicated process that recalls the fraught early days of the COVID-19 small-business relief effort. Companies that received PPP funding in early April can start to submit forgiveness applications at the end of May. Lenders will have to help them sort through a detailed application document, complete the paperwork and get it to the Small Business Administration for approval. Banks made about 4.3 million PPP loans for a total of more than $500 billion, and the program allows every borrower to request forgiveness. The SBA released an 11-page document last week listing the criteria small businesses must follow to get their PPP loans forgiven. Among the guidelines are directions on how to calculate payroll costs, which must account for 75 percent of loan proceeds spent. Businesses are still looking for clarity on whether employee bonuses and some health insurance and retirement plans count as payroll. Many businesses may find they fail to meet SBA terms for forgiveness, which will leave banks with loans to service and customer issues to resolve.
Source: The San Diego Union Tribune – Olivia Rockeman.
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Cash Buyers Are
Waiting to Pounce
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The world’s largest real estate investors are sitting on piles of cash, preparing for once-in-a-lifetime opportunities created by the pandemic. With economies around the world sputtering, commercial real estate prices are expected to come down. How much they will fall is the key question. Sellers are currently willing to concede discounts of around 5 percent, while bidders are hoping for about a 20 percent off pre-pandemic prices, stated Charles Hewlett, managing director at RCLCO Real Estate Advisors. For now, social distancing rules and a virtual travel halt have stalled transactions and led to speculation that prices will drop in coming months. The volume of deals in Europe plunged 65 percent in April from a year earlier. Transactions in America will fall an estimated 35 percent this year, compared with a roughly 25 percent decline in the Asia-Pacific region. Until shopping, commuting and travel become routine again, it will be hard for investors to agree on what malls, hotels, offices and other property are worth. Many say that pricing will be determined when the markets start to re-open and buyers and sellers find a middle ground that will impact pricing.
Source – The San Diego Union Tribune – John Gittelsohn & Jack Sidders.
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County Unemployment Hits 15% in April
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San Diego County’s unemployment rate rose to 15 percent in April. Its highest on record with data going back to 1990, state labor officials said on Friday, May 22nd. Early job losses tied to COVID-19 closures were most pronounced, especially in leisure and hospitality, which lost nearly 100,000 positions, but cuts were felt among all sectors of the local economy, even those not directly tied to the stay-at-home orders. Adjusted for seasonal swings, the statewide unemployment rate was 15.6 percent and 14.7 percent nationwide. California accounted for 11.4 percent of all jobs lost nationwide in April as the unemployment rate jumped 10.2 percentage points since March, the largest one-month rise since 1976 when the state begun using its current formula to measure job losses. In total. 195,000 jobs were lost in San Diego County from March to April. Every employment category from government to financial services, shed jobs. Until the end of July, the federal CARES Act is giving unemployed workers an extra $600 a week on top of their state unemployment. People who wish to stand out in hiring when this crisis is over should be able to show they used the quarantine time to sharpen skills, not use it as a free vacation. Online classes are one way to show the time was well spent.
Source: The San Diego Union Tribune – Philip Molnar.
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Old Globe Cancels
Summer Season
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For the first time since World War II, there won’t be a summer season of Shakespeare under the stars at Th Old Globe. Due to the uncertainties related to the coronavirus pandemic, the Balboa Park theater will postpone its entire four-show festival season to summer 2021. This is the first summer without Shakespeare at the globe since 1947. Balboa Park’s main plaza area is still closed to the public. Live theaters are in the final phase of Governor Newsom’s four-step business reopening strategy.
Source: The San Diego Union Tribune – Pam Kragen.
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La Jolla Music Society
Postpones Summerfest
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The La Jolla Music Society announced on May 18th that it is postponing its annual SummerFest, with much of this year’s programming moving to 2021. This year’s festival, themed “Self+Sound,” was to have featured 18 concerts over a span of three weeks, from July 31 through August 21. In early June a revised shortened program will be announced, to be held in late August. Hopefully a live audience can be welcomed to The Conrad, in addition to streaming the performance from the Baker-Baum concert hall.
Source: The San Diego Union Tribune – Michael Rocha.
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Steely Dan Postpones 2020 Tour With Steve Winwood
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Steely Dan has postponed its 2020 tour with fellow Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Steve Winwood until 2021, including the scheduled June 9 concert at San Diego’s North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre, because of the coronavirus pandemic. Fans who have tickets to their 2020 “Earth After Hours” tour with Steve Winwood has been rescheduled. Fans with tickets to the previously announced 2020 dates are encouraged to hold on to their tickets as they will be honored for the new dates. If fans are unable to attend the new date, they will be able to request a refund. For more information, visit livenation.com/refund or contact your point of purchase.
Source: The San Diego Union Tribune – George Varga.
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23 of 26 Concerts in Chula Vista Music Venue Cancelled or Postponed
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North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre concerts scheduled for the rest of this year have been quietly cancelled or postponed due to the coronavirus. The near-capacity Chula Vista venue, the largest outdoor concert site in San Diego County cancelled a total of 14 concerts of the 2020 season and 9 have been postponed , representing an enormous blow to San Diego’s spring, summer and fall concert lineup. Tickets for cancelled concerts at the Amphitheatre will be refunded at point of purchase. Tickets for postponed concerts will be refunded if a new date isn’t announced within 60 days. After a new date is announced, fans will have a 30-day window from that point to request refunds.
Source: The San Diego Union Tribune – George Varga.
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Alicia Keys Postpones ALICIA World Tour
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Singer-songwriter Aicia Keys has postponed her ALICIA World Tour 2020-including her September11th Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre at SDSU concert -because of the coronavirus. In March, Keys postponed the book tour for her memoir, “More, Myself A Journey.” The release of her new album “Aiicia,” has also been pushed back. As of Thursday, May 21st Ticketmaster is still selling tickets for keys’ postponed September show in San Diego. Live Nation, the San Diego concert’s promoter, has yet to announce the postponement of her tour or to issue any information about refunds.
Source: The San Diego Union Tribune -George Varga.
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From Supervisor Nathan Fletcher:
Moving Toward the New Normal
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New Guidance for Barbershops & Salons
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This week, the State of California authorized San Diego County to allow hair salons and barber shops to open their doors again to the public! This comes on the heels of last week’s announcement that in-store retail and in-restaurant dining is allowed in San Diego County—all of these reopenings are authorized with modifications. Businesses that reopen must fill out, post, and distribute to employees a
Safe Reopening Plan complete with their plans to operate safely.
Read More.
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Progress in Testing, Tracing and Treatment
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Each day we see more progress with our COVID-19 T-3 Strategy to Test, Trace and Treat. We are doing more testing, more investigations being performed by contact tracers and more resources to help San Diegans who have been impacted by coronavirus. Most recently,
on May 27 we announced the launch of the "COVID Collaborative for Children", a testing initiative at Rady Children’s Hospital that will screen up to 2,000 children, families and medical staff for COVID-19 every day.
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250,00 San Diego Kids
Eligible for P-EBT
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Many San Diego families depend on nutrition assistance from local schools, and while schools are closed due to COVID-19, families with students who were receiving free or reduced-price school meals can now receive up to $365 per child for groceries this summer. This is offered as part of the Pandemic EBT (P-EBT ) program, a statewide initiative that provides benefits for those who do not receive CalFresh, WIC, and other public assistance. You can apply by visiting
http://ca.p-ebt.org/info.
Read More.
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From Assemblymember Shirley Weber:
CORONAVIRUS: VITAL RESOURCES AND IMPORTANT UPDATES
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Need UI Assistance?
We're here to Help!
Employment Development Department (EDD) Assistance
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COVID-19 has had a devastating effect on California's economy in so many ways. We want to help! If you, or someone you know, reside in the
79 Assembly District and are struggling with EDD filings relating to either general Unemployment Insurance (UI) or Pandemic Unemployment Assistance, please contact my District Office, so that we can help you.
Click here for assistance or call (619) 531-7913.
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You're Invited: Townhall to Discuss Resources for Nonprofits
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Please join me Friday, May 29 at 12:00 pm as I host my second Townhall. The goal this time is to connect community nonprofits to resources and key information. I will be partnering with The Nonprofit Institute of the University of San Diego and a host of panelists who represent businesses that offer a diverse range of resources to help nonprofit business owners during COVID-19. If you are able to participate, please
RSVP HERE.
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UC Will No Longer Consider SAT/ACT for State Student Admissions
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Last Thursday, the University of California (UC) Regents voted unanimously to end their reliance on the SAT and ACT in their admissions process. The system expects to have its own standardized test by the fall of 2025 for California residents. If the UC cannot create a new test that better aligns with what students learned in school, it will drop the testing requirement completely for Californians. To learn more visit:
timesofsandiego.com/education
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While there is a push in San Diego County to reopen the economy, widespread testing capacity must be a priority for all communities to ensure that we reopen responsibly and safely. To that end, we are proud to announce two new testing sites in the heart of the
79 Assembly District. Both sites will require an appointment and results are usually available within 48 hours.
- Euclid Medical Center (drive-up testing): For an appointment, please dial 2-1-1 or email 211help@211sandiego.org.
- Tubman-Chavez Community Center (State-operated, walk-up site): Click here for an appointment.
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The
DMV has reopened the offices below to assist customers with existing appointments and with limited select transactions that require an in-person visit. Customers are required to wear a facial covering to enter the office.
- San Diego Field Office: 3960 Normal St., San Diego, CA 92103
- Chula Vista Field Office: 30 N Glover Ave., Chula Vista, CA 91910
- El Cajon Field Office: 1450 Graves Ave., El Cajon, CA 92021
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Your educational milestones are so very important and although the graduation ceremonies weren't the traditional style this year, I want to celebrate you! Whether you've been promoted from elementary to graduating with a professional degree, send us your photos, videos or hashtag
#AD79Graduates #AD79Classof2020. You could be highlighted on my website and social media platforms in June.
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SDCCU Financial Literacy Presentations
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SDCCU is offering weekly financial wellness programs online for free to the community!
Our free bizkids programs helps kids learn about finances and money management!
sdccu.com/bizkids
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From Senator Brian Jones:
Governor’s Guidelines for Reopening Houses of Worship
Nowhere Near Adequate
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“What’s missing is a fundamental understanding that faith‚ religion and its practice‚ are essential”
Sacramento‚ CA - State Senator Brian Jones (R-Santee) today released the following statement in response to Governor Newsom’s plan to reopen houses of worship in California:
“President Trump is right that houses of worship are essential. Just like big-box stores can be trusted to open safely for their customers‚ California’s faith leaders - who care more for their congregants’ safety than anyone - can also safely provide the essential spiritual care their congregants need. Californians’ freedom to worship has been infringed‚ and while the Governor has taken a slight step in the right direction‚ it is nowhere near an adequate restoration of their fundamental rights. What’s missing is a fundamental understanding that faith‚ religion and its practice‚ are essential.”
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Chamber Members Open for Business
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Elmcroft of Grossmont Gardens
(619) 463-0281
5480 Marengo Avenue, La Mesa, CA 91942
We remain COVID-19 free!
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The Lunchbox Cafe and Deli
We're open for dine-in service, takeout or delivery - Breakfast, Brunch, or Lunch in La Mesa
8751 La Mesa Blvd. in La Mesa
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Carl Burger Dodge Chrysler Jeep RAM World
Sales: Mon-Sat 8:30AM-5PM, Sun 10-5PM, 619-777-8173
Service: Mon - Fri 8AM-5PM - Sat, 619-862-2843
Parts: 619-678-1768
Integrated Mac Solutions
Marque Urgent Care
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Mattress Makers
8366 La Mesa Blvd., La Mesa , CA 91942
Uneeke Boutique
(619) 825-9487
Curbside pickup at 4674 Nebo Dr. in La Mesa
Westmont of La Mesa
(858) 257-4861
9000 Murray Drive, La Mesa , CA 91942
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Anthony's Fish Grotto
Takeout and retail 2-7pm, 7 days a week
9530 Murray Drive in La Mesa
BJs Restaurant and Brewhouse
Delivery: 11am - 11:30pm
Curbside Pickup: 11am - 9pm
5500 Grossmont Drive
Brew Coffee Spot
Online Ordering & Pickup
(619) 246-1244
6101 Lake Murray Blvd. in La Mesa
Cali Comfort BBQ
Take out: 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. 7 days a week.
619-337-0670
8910 Troy Street in Spring Valley
Cucina Basilico
Takeout: 4:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
(619) 825-3171.
7200 Parkway Dr. in La Mesa
Dream Dinners
Easy, Homemade Meals
5208 Jackson Dr #116 - La Mesa
Edible Arrangements
Free delivery
8237 La Mesa Blvd. in La Mesa
El Pollo Loco
10 a.m. - 10 p.m. for drive through meals.
4990 Baltimore Drive in La Mesa
Himalayan Cuisine
Take out: 11 a.m.- 9 p.m. Sunday - Thursday
Friday & Saturday: 11am - 10pm
(619) 461-2503
7918 El Cajon Blvd #P in La Mesa
Hooleys Public House
Tue-Thur 3:30-7:30pm & Fri-Sat 3:30-8:30pm
5500 Grossmont Center Dr. #277
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Los Pinos Taco Shop
Takeout: Mon - Sat 10:30am - 9pm.
Sunday 4 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
(619) 462-5031
5646 Lake Murray Blvd in La Mesa
Marie Callender's
Takeout: 11am - 8pm
(619) 465-1910.
6950 Alvarado Rd. in San Diego
Nonno's Ristorante Italiano
Open to dine in
with reservations, as well as pick up or carry out orders.
5314 Baltimore Drive in La Mesa
Red Lobster
Takeout:
Sun - Thurs: 11am - 10pm, Fri & Sat: 11am - 11pm
(619) 463-4449
8703 Murray Drive in La Mesa
San Pasqual Winery
Order pickups and bottles to go only (no wine service) - Mon - Fri 12 - 6 & Sat & Sun 12 - 5
(619) 462-1797
8364 La Mesa Blvd. in La Mesa
Surf Rider Pizza Co.
Takeout: Tuesday - Sunday 11:30am - 7:30pm
(619) 340-1270
8381 La Mesa Blvd. in La Mesa
The Lunch Box
We're open for dine-in service, takeout or delivery!
Tuesday to Friday: 7:30am - 2:00pm
Saturday: 7:30am - 1:00pm
(619) 463-4013
8751 La Mesa Blvd. in La Mesa
Valley Farm Market
Fresh meat, chicken and fish, as well as milk, eggs, bread and fresh produce. Products are available on a “first come, first served” basis.
(619) 463-9595
9040 Campo Rd. in Spring Valley
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Thank you for your support!
Mary England
President & CEO
Cell: 619-251-7730
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La Mesa Chamber of Commerce ∙ 8080 La Mesa Blvd. Ste. 212 ∙ La Mesa, California 91942
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Copyright © 2020 All Rights Reserved.
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