Your Weekly News from the La Mesa Chamber |
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La Mesa Chamber is Happy to Begin Accepting Applications for the
La Mesa Business Assistance Fund - Process Begins August 10th, Ends August 31st
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There has been an outpouring of support from the community to assist our businesses that were damaged on May 30th and May 31st and it’s not over! Donors have given funds to the La Mesa Chamber to disburse donations to those businesses, as well. We are now ready to begin that process to accept applications for these funds. The generosity of Randall Lamb Associates began the fund and was followed by: Albert’s Mexican Food, The La Mesa Lions Club, Gary Green and Jeff Phair, partners in the La Mesa Summit Estates development, The La Mesa Strong T-Shirt Team and several personal donations, as well as several anonymous financial gifts. The La Mesa Chamber is grateful for these donations and being a part of our community, where neighbors truly help neighbors.
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Urbn Leaf Joins the La Mesa Community |
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A welcome and COVID-19 friendly ribbon cutting was held on Friday, August 7th for Urbn Leaf, one of the newest recreational and medical cannabis dispensaries in La Mesa. The coronavirus may change the way we must do business, but it did not put a damper on our welcome and our opportunity to meet Urbn Leaf’s energetic team. Urbn Leaf Founder Will Senn thanked the group for attending and the City of La Mesa for their support. Vice Mayor Bill Baber was in attendance and was recognized for his support in working with the Urbn Leaf leadership team as they located in La Mesa. The Urbn Leaf leadership team that joined Founder, Will Senn for this ribbon-cutting were: Skip Motsenbocker, CEO, Josh Bubeck, CCO (Chief Cannabis Officer), Chris Crouch,V.P. of Retail Operations, Robert Perez, GM, Savanna Rakofsky, Director of Marketing, Melanie Pynappel, Field Marketing Manager and Bernadette Huddleston, District Manager. Urbn Leaf is located in a recently renovated location at 7339 El Cajon Blvd, Ste. C, in La Mesa. |
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Remember the La Mesa Town Hall on August 13th -
The Subject is the Violent Actions of May 30th & 31st
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REMEMBER - The La Mesa City Council has picked August 13th as the date the city will hold a town hall meeting to discuss the events of May 30th. This venue will allow residents to share their feelings, concerns, recommendations and a dedicated place to ask questions and get answers about May 30th. Because of COVID-19 protocols about in-person gatherings, the meeting will be held from 6 -8 p.m. on August 13th via a virtual platform, most likely Zoom. The city will accept comments via email ahead of the meeting and will also allow in-person comments at the Adult Enrichment Center on La Mesa Boulevard. At the Center, multiple laptop computers will be available for public speakers to use, as well as a monitor for the people there to view the meeting. Occupancy inside the Adult Enrichment Center will be managed to maintain social distancing. The city plans to record the meeting and post it online. The meeting will also be broadcast on FaceBook Live. Information about the meeting will be available on the city’s official website, cityoflamesa.us.
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SBA Amends Disaster Declaration
Offers Disaster Assistance to San Diego County
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Low-interest federal disaster loans are now available to San Diego County small businesses affected by the civil unrest that began on May 26th. The disaster declaration makes SBA assistance in San Diego County. In response to the Coronavirus pandemic, for this disaster SBA will establish a virtual Business Recovery Center to answer questions about SBA’s disaster loan program, explain the application process and help each individual complete their electronic loan application. The center is open Mondays- Fridays 8 a.m.- 4:30 p.m., (916) 735-1500, FOCWAssistance@sba.gov. This program is for CIVIL UNREST, NOT COVID-19-RELATED ASSISTANCE.
These loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills that can’t be paid because of the disaster’s impact. Eligibility is based on the financial impact of the disaster only and not on any actual property damage. These loans have an interest rate of 3 percent for small businesses and 2.75 percent for private non-profit organizations with terms up to 30 years and are restricted to small businesses without the financial ability to offset the adverse impacts without hardship.
Applicants may apply online, receive additional disaster-assistance information and download applications at https://disasterloanassistance.sba.gov/. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or e mail: disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. The deadline to apply for economic injury is April 7, 2021. |
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Make Your Reservation to Our Virtual Mixer “Together Again” |
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Join the Chamber Board of Directors, members and businesses and get “Together Again” and connect virtually. This is our first time to connect or see each other since March 12th!
Be sure to grab your favorite beverage - glass of wine, beer, soda, iced tea or drink of your choice and let’s connect! Register to join us and be a part of our “Together Again” Virtual mixer. This is the perfect opportunity to see each other via Zoom. Let’s meet our new members, get caught up on what’s been going on in our lives and “Get Together Again.”
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Date: Wednesday, August 19th
Join us - This was the original date of our Business Expo.
So, Let’s celebrate this evening and still get together!
Time: 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Location: Registered attendees will receive a link before the event with log in details.
Fees/Admission: Free
Presented By: Courtyard by Marriot San Diego El Cajon | AMR | Carl Burger Dodge Chrysler Jeep RAM World | Marque Urgent Care | San Diego County Credit Union – La Mesa | Westmont of La Mesa
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County Moves to Help Businesses Go Outside |
Churches and fitness businesses that have struggled to find space to operate outdoors will soon find it easier to set up classes and services at local parks. The County Board of San Diego unanimously approved a measure to streamline the application process and waive permit fees to reserve space in county parks for houses of worship and gyms that cannot operate indoors under COVID-19 public health restrictions. This change comes amid resistance from some gyms and churches forbidding indoor operations - a mandate set by the state for San Diego County. Applications by businesses who wish to use San Diego County Parks will be vetted to ensure that the proposed activities can take place without violating existing park rules. |
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San Diego County is currently on the state watch list based on our current 14-day case rate. The threshold is 14-day case rate of 100 per 100,000. The County must meet the state’s metrics for 3 days to get off the watch list!
After we are off the watch list, we will have a discussion with the state on what we can start reopening in San Diego County.
The Public Health Department provides guidance for employers after an employee tests positive for COVID-19. Call (888) 950-9905 and leave voicemail with info about the positive case. Notify employees who have worked closely with positive individual. If there is an outbreak (3 individuals or more), let both employees and customers know.
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Returning to Work:
Employees are not required to get re-tested before returning to work. Those who are severely ill or immunocompromised may need 20 days before returning to work. Those who were not hospitalized or severely ill can return to work after 10 days since start of symptoms and at least 24 hours since the last fever without the use of fever reducing medications.
Martial Arts Studios:
Can conduct outdoor operations for adults and youth. Can conduct indoor operations for youth provided they follow sport day camp protocol.
Adult Dance class:
Adult dance classes indoors are not permitted.
Canopies Used for Classrooms:
Anticipate needing 3 sides open. Considering a state clarification given the tent requirement for personal services, not educational purposes.
Employer Reporting Penalties or Fine:
If an employer fails to report the employee, it is a misdemeanor for noncompliance.
Quarantining or Isolating Employees:
Those exposed and not expressing symptoms must be quarantined for 14 days according to the Public Health Order.
Vendor Noncompliance in Pacific Beach:
Since there are 14 industry sectors and thousands of businesses and activities county-wide, the focus for Compliance Teams are currently on egregious violations. The Board of Supervisors has approved to hire additional team members. Pacific Beach is a City of San Diego jurisdiction where concerns should also be relayed to local jurisdiction leadership.
Social Distancing:
Tournaments are not permitted. Report violations to Compliance Officer Call 858-694-2900.
Residential Health Order Violations:
Report health order violations by calling (858) 694-2900.
Face Coverings for children aged 2 years and older:
State guidelines make face coverings for people 2 years or older mandatory.
Action Steps for employers responding to employees who have been exposed to positive COVID-19 individual:
Refer to the State’s COVID-19 Employee Playbook for Safe Reopening.
Golf Tournaments:
Per the San Diego County Public Health Order – All public or private gatherings are prohibited.
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Pandemic & Business Updates |
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Cruise Industry Extends Suspension Through October 31st |
With new coronavirus clusters sprouting aboard ships overseas, the U.S. cruise industry is extending its suspension of operations through October. If conditions in the U.S. change, it would consider allowing short, modified sailings before October 31st. There are infections on several cruise ships and positive coronavirus tests have also been reported this past week on cruise ships in Italy and Tahiti. |
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County Funnels $19M into Food Programs |
Before COVID-19, Community Through Hope was handing out meals to about 6,000 South Bay residents a month. Now they’re serving about 30,000 a month – an increase of 400 percent. Before COVID-19, the San Diego Food Bank was feeding about 350,000 people monthly. Now the non-profit is feeding about 600,000. To help bolster these efforts, the County Board of Supervisors unanimously voted on August 5th to allocate nearly $19 million in CARES Act funding to food programs across the county. |
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Lord & Taylor Men’s Wearhouse
Seeks Bankruptcy
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Lord & Taylor, America’s oldest retailer is seeking bankruptcy protection, is the owner of Men’s Wearhouse and Jos. A. Bank, lengthening the list of major retail chains that have faltered in the pandemic. Thousands of store closures forced by the arrival of COVID-19 has proved too much. Lord & Taylor, which began in Manhattan as a dry goods store in 1824, was sold to the French rental clothing company Le Tote Inc. last year. Both filed for bankruptcy protection, separately in Virginia. Lord & Taylor says it’s looking for a buyer. |
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La Mesa Economic Development Newsletter as of 8/5/2020 |
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Outdoor Operations for Salons and Personal Services |
The State of California recently approved changes to allow hair salons, barbershops, and other personal services to operate outdoors. Click here to learn more. |
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Virtual Business Visitations |
Our office would like to get to know your business, discuss programs, receive feedback on City services, and discuss ways to better serve your business. Feel free to reach out to us at any time to schedule a business visitation - 619.667.1311 or economicdevelopment@cityoflamesa.us. |
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From Assemblymember Weber: Weekly E-Alert: Upcoming Events, Important Deadlines & Resources as of August 7th |
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Back to School Virtual Town Hall |
Mark Your Calendars! Please join me on August 15 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the 79th Assembly District's Virtual Back to School Distance Learning Town Hall. The goal of this event is two-fold: (1) to provide school district leaders an opportunity to explain their reopening plans to parents based on changes due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and (2) to allow parents the opportunity to ask school district leaders questions relating to the upcoming school term.
Additional details will be featured in my correspondence next week. Details will also be posted on my social media, including Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. |
As individuals and families struggle financially because of COVID-19, it is imperative that we come together to do our part to help those in need. The City of San Diego continues to provide aid and assistance during this unprecedented time. |
Small Business Payment Protection Program update |
Small businesses have until August 8 to apply for potentially forgivable loans via the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), which grants funds to business owners for expenses and payroll. While a second PPP is under consideration in the Continuing Small Business Recovery and Paycheck Protection Program Act, part of the HEALS (Health, Economic, Assistance, Liability Protection and Schools) Act in the Senate, is more restrictive and the available amounts may be smaller. |
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City of San Diego Eviction Relief Efforts |
To help San Diego residents who are experiencing financial hardships due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the San Diego City Council adopted a temporary ban on evictions in the City of San Diego related to COVID-19.
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Eviction moratorium extended through September 30.
- Deadline for residents to make up missed rent payments is December 30.
- Renters must notify their landlord in writing on or before the day rent is due that they are unable to pay the full amount of rent, and must provide documentation within one week of notifying the landlord.
- Renters are required to provide proof to their landlord within 7 days that they have lost substantial income OR substantial out-of-pocket medical expenses as a result of a COVID-19 related issue.
- Property owners cannot charge late fees for any unpaid rent related to COVID-19.
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Grants and Loans Available from California State Agencies |
In these unprecedented times, it is imperative to know all resources available to you. The California Grants Portal (a project by the California State Library) is your one destination to find all grants and loans offered on a competitive or first-come basis by California state agencies. Whether it be for your business, education or for personal use, The California Grants Portal is equipped with a variety of options that may fit your needs. |
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Activities & Specials From Our Members & Community |
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From SDG&E: California Climate Credit Headed Your Way |
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Your August* SDG&E bill will include a statewide electric California Climate Credit. It’s part of California’s effort to fight climate change and work toward a zero-carbon state. The credit comes from a state program that requires power plants, natural gas providers and other large industries that emit greenhouse gasses to buy carbon pollution permits. The credit on your bill is your share of the payments from the state’s program.
In past years, the electric credit was applied in April and October and the gas credit was applied in April. For 2020 and 2021 the California Public Utilities Commission has authorized a temporary shift of the electric portion of the credit to be applied to the months of August and September to provide some bill relief during the hottest months of the year and help reduce bill volatility.
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*Billing periods vary by utility and may not always coincide with a calendar month. If you don’t see a Climate Credit in the bill that arrives this month, it will appear in the bill you receive next month.
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Businesses Who Are NOT Open
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- Bars, breweries and wineries not serving food
- Places of worship
- Gyms and fitness centers
- Hair salons & barber shops
- Personal care facilities (spas, facials, eyelashes, etc.)
- Massage parlors
- Tattoo parlors
- Offices for non-essential businesses
- Indoor malls
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Member Restaurants Offering Outdoor Dining |
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Anthony's Fish Grotto
Dine by the Lake and enjoy the ambiance from 11:30am - 8pm.
9530 Murray Drive in La Mesa
BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse
7 days a week from 11am-10pm - Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Curbside Service, & Delivery. Walk-in, first come, first serve service.
5500 Grossmont Drive
Brew Coffee Spot
Our patio is open daily from 8am to 3pm! First come first served. No reservations required.
Online ordering through Clover | Take out
6101 Lake Murray Blvd. in La Mesa
Cucina Basilico
Patio service Tuesdays - Sundays: 4.30pm-9 pm
(619) 825-3171
7200 Parkway Dr. in La Mesa
Hooleys Public House
Dine under the (3) tents right by the restaurant.
Tue - Thur 4 - 9 pm | Fri 4 - 10 pm | Sat 11 am - 10 pm | Sun 11 am - 7 pm
5500 Grossmont Center Dr. #277
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La Mesa Wine Works
A cooperative Tasting Room featuring Premium Wines from San Diego County Wineries
8167 Center Street, La Mesa, CA 91942
Thursday - Saturday 3-8 & Sunday 12-5
Little Roma
Dine on the patio that surrounds the restaurant.
Mon - Sat: 11am - 9pm | Sun: 4pm - 8:30pm
5575 Baltimore Drive, Suite 104 in La Mesa
Marie Callender's
Patio dining available!
Mon-Thur & Sun: 11am-8pm | Fri & Sat 11am-9pm
6950 Alvarado Rd. in San Diego
Nonno's Ristorante Italiano
Dine in with reservations, or carry out
5314 Baltimore Drive in La Mesa
Sycuan Casino Resort
Enjoy the Viewpoint Neighborhood Kitchen patio!
Restaurant & Bar | Thursday - Sunday: 5PM-10PM
Brunch | Saturday & Sunday: 8AM-2PM
The Lunch Box Cafe and Deli
Dine-in service, takeout or delivery!
Tue - Fri: 7:30am - 2:00pm | Sat: 7:30am - 1:00pm
8751 La Mesa Blvd. in La Mesa
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Member Restaurants Offering Take Out / Delivery |
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Anthony's Fish Grotto
Takeout & dine-in: 11:30am - 8pm
Retail market: 11:30am -7pm
9530 Murray Drive in La Mesa
BJs Restaurant and Brewhouse
7 days a week from 11am-10pm - Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Curbside Service, & Delivery. Walk-in, first come, first serve service.
5500 Grossmont Drive
Brew Coffee Spot
Patio open 8-3 daily | online ordering | take out
(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
Patio dining, takeout & delivery
Tue - Thur 4 - 9 pm | Fri 4 - 10 pm | Sat 11 am - 10 pm | Sun 11 am - 7 pm
5500 Grossmont Center Dr. #277
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Little Roma
Patio dining or delivery.
Mon - Sat: 11am - 9pm | Sun: 4pm - 8:30pm
Delivery hours: M-Sat 11am- 9pm | Sun 4-8:30pm
5575 Baltimore Drive, Suite 104 in La Mesa
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
Patio dining,take out and delivery available!
Mon-Thur & Sun: 11am-8pm | Fri & Sat 11am-9pm
6950 Alvarado Rd. in San Diego
Nonno's Ristorante Italiano
Dine in with reservations or carry out.
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
Mon - Thur: 12 - 6 PM | Fri - Sat: 12 - 8 PM | Sunday: 12 - 5 PM
Order pick ups and bottles to go. Limited wine service on our patio. Visit La Mesa Wine Works, for service on our spacious patio! 8364 La Mesa Blvd. in La Mesa
Surf Rider Pizza Co.
Takeout: Tuesday - Sunday 11:30am - 7:30pm
8381 La Mesa Blvd. in La Mesa
The Lunch Box Cafe and Deli
Dine-in service, takeout or delivery!
Tuesday to Friday: 7:30am - 2:00pm
Saturday: 7:30am - 1:00pm
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.
9040 Campo Rd. in Spring Valley
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Show Off Your Membership With Pride! |
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"Most consumers (59%) think that being active in the local chamber of commerce is an effective business strategy overall. It is 29% more effective, however, for communicating to consumers that a
company uses good business practices and 26% more effective for communicating that a business is reputable."
Quoted from "The Real Value of Joining a Local Chamber of Commerce"
Not only do we provide members a physical plaque to display at their place of business, we also provide a way to further brand your business by providing a Virtual Plaque to display right on your website. Membership in a chamber of commerce has come to signify corporate citizenship and excellence, and your website is your storefront to the consumer and the world. Just place it on your website with a link back to www.lamesachamber.com or to your personal business page in our directory. |
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Special Thank You to Our Premium Members |
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Grossmont Center
At Grossmont Center, you’ll be reminded why our center has thrived since 1961 because it’s where friendships are made, family bonds are strengthened and memories are created.
5500 Grossmont Center Dr. #213 in La Mesa
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Boston Beer Company
Edible Arrangements
H & N Management Co.
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Power Plaques.com
Sandra Small/ Photographer
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SMIB Management, Inc.
The Little Warehouse
Self Storage
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AAA Imaging
American Medical Response
Barnes & Noble -
Grossmont Center
Benchmark Financial
Community Spectrum
Discovering My City Magazine
DMZ Visual Marketing
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EDCO Waste & Recycling Corp.
Frazier Farms
Hallman Jewelers
Kostedt Design & Marketing
Magnaglobe Enterprises
Mobility Works
Park Station
PenChecks, Inc.
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Productivity Plus Office Support
San Pasqual Winery
Sanctuary Cruises
Studio M.I.F.
The East County Californian
Vision Studio Concepts
William H. Sauls
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Thank you for being a member and 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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