In case you missed last week's e-blast: September 29 Eblast

Guests entering Blo Blow Dry Bar were greeted by a beautifully designed shop with lots of touches of hot pink, the color scheme of this popular business. Owner, Angela Brown has taken steps to have this new salon be a popular location for women to pamper themselves. The philosophy of Blo Blow Dry Bar is that everyone deserves to feel beautiful, inside, and out. Blow outs have the power to uplift everyone and enhance everyone’s day. Blo Blow Dry Bar is located at 8806 Grossmont Boulevard in La Mesa.

Th evening had unique bites for guests to sample, complete with cold beverages and a champagne toast! The ribbon cutting and celebration was the opportunity to gather and welcome this business to our Chamber. Assemblymember, 79th Assembly District, Akilah Weber, M.D. sent her representative Moana Cabiles to present a certificate of recognition, and was joined by Supervisor Joel Anderson’s representative, Marc Schaefer who also presented a certificate to the staff. The La Mesa Chamber President & CEO, Mary England joined the group, presenting a certificate on behalf of the La Mesa Mayor, Mark Arapostathis, and another from the La Mesa Chamber and plaque to complete the evening. Take time to visit this salon, or better yet, make an appointment by calling 619 825-7980.

Where in La Mesa can you enter a building and meet and shop with 65 vendors? NOWHERE but at Thoughtful Creations, located at 8270 La Mesa Boulevard. Shawndie Smith, the owner of this creative “brainchild” has hit the bull’s eye! The selection of crafts and items that are offered really were amazing. To be able to meet and talk to the folks that design and make the products was a bonus! The vendors were excited to be there and show guests what they make, offer selections at excellent prices, and have fun while doing it. Shawndie “pulled out” all the stops! She had a room dedicated for food and beverages, complete with tables and chairs. That room got a lot of attention too! To tempt the guests, Shawndie had a silent auction table, where guests could bid on great items, in additional to all the other activities that were happening in the building.

The crowd that joined Shawndie to celebrate this ribbon cutting and mixer at Thoughtful Creations was huge, fun-filled, and ready to shop and explore all the various vendor areas. Assembly Member, Akilah Weber, M.D. from the 79th Assembly District sent her representative Moana Cabiles to present a certificate of recognition and was joined by one of Supervisor Joel Anderson’s interns, Brenda Torres who also presented a certificate to the staff. The La Mesa Chamber President & CEO, Mary England joined the group, presenting a certificate on behalf of the La Mesa Mayor, Mark Arapostathis, and another from the La Mesa Chamber and plaque to complete the evening. Take the time to visit this unique location and see all the “treasures” available for sale.

The La Mesa Chamber has joined a coalition of with 18 other chambers and community groups in the region to educate the public on the impact that this Vehicle Mileage Tax will have on everyone’s lives. The Vehicle Mileage Tax would require tracking every driver’s mileage and charging them $0.04-$0.06 per mile they drive. That is the equivalent of an $0.08 per gallon increase in the gas tax.

Read the information here and register to join us - here are the particulars:

Date: Thursday, October 28th

Location: La Mesa Community Center, 4975 Memorial Drive, La Mesa

Hours: 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Register Here: reformcalifornia.org/event/town-hall-stop-the-mileage-tax-and-sales-tax-hikes-in-san-diego-county

Dear Valued Chamber Members:

You have probably heard something about the Vehicle Mileage Tax that is being proposed for ALL California drivers. It's time to understand how this will impact you, your families, and employers.

The Chamber has formed a coalition with 18 other Chambers and community groups in the region to educate the public on the impact this Vehicle Mileage Tax will have on everyone.

San Diego Elected Officials are looking to impose a new VEHICLE MILEAGE TAX to charge drivers PER MILE that we drive. This pilot program will then be implemented for all California drivers. The VMT would take over $27 Billion from taxpayers. (See Sandags full funding proposal)

The Vehicle Mileage Tax would require tracking every driver's mileage and charging them $0.04-$0.06 per mile they drive. That is the equivalent of an $0.80 per gallon increase in the gas tax.

The typical San Diegan driver will be forced to pay $600-800 more a year to drive on roads they already paid for with the original gas and sales taxes. When added with the current car and gas tax, a two-car family is looking at over $3,000 a year in taxes.

The Mileage Tax is an invasion of privacy with a tracking requirement that is still being decided by the government. Proposals include a device installed in every vehicle, a tracking app on cell phones, or your odometer being inspected annually.

You Don't Get a Vote - Our elected officials are voting on this with Sandag and we encourage you to understand what this tax means to you and make your voice heard if you oppose it.  Join us in making your voice heard here.

The road ahead needs a better plan and it is incumbent upon us to make sure all citizens of the county understand how this new tax will impact everyone.

Respectfully asking that you share this email with anyone you know and help us educate everyone on what this new tax means for California drivers.

Mary England

President & CEO

Cell: 619-251-7730

The La Mesa Chamber of Commerce announces their thirteenth annual Salute to Local Heroes, which will incorporate the theme, “Hooray for Our Heroes.” This festive night celebrates our local heroes, installs the Board of Directors, includes a silent auction, raffle and more. We believe that throughout this past year we have all witnessed extraordinary acts of bravery and want to commend those that do so much for our community. This year we are adding two honorees from Sharp Grossmont Hospital increasing the number of heroes to be recognized. We will now be honoring men and women from the La Mesa Police Department, Paramedics, Heartland Fire, the Retired Senior Volunteer Patrol and Sharp Grossmont Hospital. They are chosen by their individual departments for selfless acts of courage, dedication, bravery, compassion, and service to our community. This event is open to the public.

5:30-8:45pm

Sycuan Casino Resort (Wachena Ballroom)

5469 Casino Way in El Cajon

Complimentary valet parking

1 for $95 | 2 for $170 | Table of 8 for $640

Buy Tickets at: www.salute.lamesachamber.com

Sponsorships are available for this celebration. Contact Mary England, 619-251-7730 to be a sponsor and spotlight your business or organization at this special event.

On Wednesday, October 20th we are ready to celebrate at our valued Chamber Member, East County Art Association with an evening mixer. This FREE evening get-together is long overdue, and we are ready to meet and visit with Linda Baltodano, who is part of the leadership team of the East County Art Association and members of this non-profit organization and meet the artists and the exhibit Light & Dark. This organization was created to promote friendship, fine art appreciation in all media, and art education for members and the community. The East County Art Association features artwork from fine artists, as well as admirers of the arts. This special occasion will offer beverages and fine wines by the glass and enjoy appetizers from local restaurants and more!

We look forward to seeing you in person for great wine and assorted beverages, delicious appetizers, good conversation and fun!

5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Location: East County Art Association

124 E. Main Street, El Cajon

RSVP’s: Due to public health and safety, this event is limited to the first 50 people who register to attend.

Join us on Thursday, October 21st and welcome West Coast Smoke and Tap House to our business community. West Coast Smoke and Tap House is your neighborhood pub serving great food, with meal specials in addition to regular items on he menu. They pride themselves on having a rotating draft beer selection featuring some of the finest brews around. Some of the delicious menu items include: rib plates, pork plates, smoked brisket, a half chicken plate, salad, house-made soups and more!

Meet Kristina Blake and the staff to see why they are a popular addition to the La Mesa business community. They will be serving happy hour food and beverage specials for this special night.

“Official” Ribbon Cutting at 6:00 p.m.

Location: West Coast Smoke & Tap House - 6126 Lake Murray Blvd., La Mesa

Don’t miss this opportunity to say hello and sample some great food and brew at Happy Hour prices!

This is your opportunity to let your voice be heard! Vote for your favorite people, places, and businesses to help us determine who is the very best in East County. All our winners will be announced in the Best of East County special section publishing on February 11, 2022. Pick up a ballot in The East County Californian or vote online at eccalifornian.com/boec2021

Deadline to vote is November 29, 5pm.

CDPH issued a public health order requiring COVID-19 vaccinations for workers in adult and senior care facilities and those employed in in-home direct care settings.

By November 30, individuals must receive the first dose or a one-dose regimen or the second dose of a two-dose regimen. View additional details here.

The flu shot can be given at the same time as the COVID-19 vaccine. Visit the CDC Seasonal Influenza Center for resources and the 2021-2022 FAQ.

The flu shot is recommended for everyone aged 6 months and older. Visit the County website for a list of Flu Vaccine Locations.

Families receiving CalFresh benefits can enroll in this program to earn up to $100 in rebates while shopping for fresh vegetables and groceries! The program has been implemented in partnership with UC San Diego Health, the US Department of Agriculture, and Northgate Markets. Visit here for more information and sign-up instructions.

After implementing first-in-the-nation school masking and staff vaccination measures, California becomes the first state to announce plans to require student vaccinations – adding the COVID-19 vaccine to the list of vaccinations required for school, such as the vaccines for measles, mumps, and rubella. Read More.

Calosba.ca.gov connects California’s small business community with critical resources available through state-funded small business technical assistance program and other state resources. Read More.

There has been some confusion recently about the eviction moratorium that was enacted to help those who were struggling to pay their rent and utilities due to the economic downturn caused by the pandemic. I want to ensure that you know that the California Rent Relief Program, that covers 100% past due rent and utilities for eligible applicants, does not end today, September 30, 2021.

The state’s eviction moratorium does end today, which means renters will now be responsible for paying their past due rent. However, applications to participate in the California Rent Relief Program will be accepted until all funds are exhausted. Eligible tenants and landlords who apply for relief under the program are encouraged to submit applications for rental and utility relief.

Furthermore, renters who have successfully completed a rental assistance application will have continued state eviction protections from October 1, 2021 through March 31, 2022.

According the California Department of Housing and Community Development, renters who receive a notice to "pay or quit" starting October 1, 2021 can still be protected from eviction under the following conditions:

If you are not sure how or where to apply, please contact my District Office (619) 531-7913 for assistance. We are here to help.

Earlier this year, many of you rallied with me in opposing the placement of the Sexually Violent Predator (SVP) Douglas Badger in East County. 

East County has been disproportionately burdened with released SVPs – over 60% of those released have been placed in our community. Thankfully we were successful in stopping SVP Douglas Badger, but the process exposed many problems with the process of releasing SVPs. 

With the support of my colleagues, earlier this year I directed County staff to review the SVP placement process and report back to the Board of Supervisors. Their report identified that the State government controls the decision whether to release an SVP and where to place them, and the Courts must approve it. However, the County has an opportunity to provide checks and balances in the process, by verifying that the State and its contractors are following all applicable laws when they select a site.

At the Oct. 19th Board of Supervisors meeting, I am bringing forward a proposal to require the County do exactly that.

In the recent attempt to place SVP Douglas Badger in East County – the property was found to be in violation of County laws. Clearly the State and its contractors need to be held accountable. 

If my colleagues on the Board of Supervisors approve my proposal, it will require our County departments to review each SVP placement site for any violations of state or local laws. The County government is the only line of defense between vulnerable communities and the State government’s process for placing an SVP, and it’s time for the County to step up and make sure the State is following their own laws. 

If you agree with me, please sign this petition in support. It is important to demonstrate to the County that the East County community expects them to hold the state accountable.

The San Diego County Air Pollution Control District (APCD) is requesting public comments on its Draft Incident Response Plan (IRP). The IRP outlines the general framework of the Incident Command Structure, the various agencies involved in responding to incidents and their roles, as well as outlining how APCD fits into the Unified Command with the various responding agencies’ resources and the actions APCD can take. This plan also generalizes the levels of response, depending on the severity of the incident’s impact on the surrounding community. Lastly, this plan discusses communication pathways to and from APCD as well as steps the public can take for better incident preparation and information.

Please submit your comments/questions to apcdoutreach@sdcounty.ca.gov by October 28, 2021. A public online workshop is being planned for mid-October (date TBD). A workshop announcement will be shared soon with the date, time, and instructions for accessing the workshop online.

An estimated 25% of businesses don’t open again after a major disaster, according to the Institute for Business and Home Safety. Protect your business by identifying the risks relevant to your location, both natural and man-made. Then, keep your plan of action updated.

Preserve your equipment and business records by referencing this IRS guide on how to protect your information before an emergency strikes. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) also offers an emergency preparedness checklist and toolkit online.

Here are helpful preparedness tips to learn before an emergency strikes – not during.

For more information and tips on how to be prepared for an emergency, visit sdge.com/safety and sdge.com/emergency.

For details, visit journeycommunitychurch.com/movies

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.

Here is the Small Business Stimulus Grant package and the link: 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.

October 13 - Salute to Local Heroes & Installation Dinner : 5:30-8:45pm at Sycuan Casino Resort | 5485 Casino Way, El Cajon, CA 92019 | Details/RSVP

October 20 - Evening Mixer at the East County Art Association : 5:30-7pm at East County Art Association | 124 E Main St., El Cajon | Details/RSVP

October 21 - West Coast Smoke & Tap House Ribbon Cutting & Evening Mixer : 5:30-7pm at West Coast Smoke & Tap House | 6126 Lake Murray Blvd. | Details/RSVP

November 10 - Evening Mixer at Hooleys Public House : 5:30-7pm at Hooleys Public House | 5500 Grossmont Center Drive, La Mesa | Details