In case you missed last week's email blast: June 1 Eblast

San Diego County will move into California’s least restrictive “yellow tier” on Wednesday morning June 9th, following two consecutive weeks of an adjusted new daily COVID19 case rate of fewer than two cases per 100,000 residents, country officials announced on June 8th.

The county will move into the yellow tier just six days before the state scraps the tiered reopening blueprint on June 15, joining other urban counties such as Los Angeles, San Francisco and Orange. In the yellow tier, outdoor music venue can increase to 67% capacity, restaurants and gyms can be at 50% capacity - indoor and outdoor – indoor bars can be at 25% or 100 people whichever is fewer, and outdoor gatherings can expand to 200 people.

When California fully reopens the economy on June 15, the state will move beyond the Blueprint for a Safer Economy - the system of tiers the state has employed since last year. There will be no capacity restrictions or social distancing enforced, and only “mega events” – events with crowds larger than 5,000 people indoors or 10,000 outdoors – will require or recommend vaccine verification.

San Diego County’s vaccine tracker passed the 2 million mark over the weekend , indicating that nearly two-thirds of the region’s population have received at least one dose. Now listed at 2,071,589 on the county’s COVID-19 vaccine tracking website, the total puts the region in easy striking distance of the 2.1 million goal that is 75 percent of the 2.8 million eligible residents ages 12 and older, the “herd immunity” goal set by the county health department. Herd immunity is the point at which enough of a population is resistant to infection that a pathogen can no longer spread quickly. That means there are still more than 700,000 vaccine-eligible residents who have not come forward. Some might wonder if the state’s “Vax to Win” lottery, which awarded $50,000 prizes last week, pushed San Diego past the 2 million mark? So far, there is no evidence that’s the case. Source – The San Diego Union Tribune – Paul Sisson. Photo: Kristian Carreon.

On Thursday, June 3rd as guests arrived at 8733 Broadway in La Mesa to welcome I-Que BBQ to our business community, the aroma of barbecue and a hearty welcome from the owners and staff were the first thing you noticed. If you weren’t hungry before you arrived, as soon as you walked in the door and smelled the barbecue aroma, it was all over! Guests were stepping over each other to get to the food area. The crowd had many choices to sample and sample they did! The choices were many, such as - chopped chicken, pulled pork, ribs, macaroni and cheese, collard greens, beans, rolls, fresh samples of desserts like - Pistachio cake, Lemon Zest cake and Triple Threat Chocolate cake. People were in a feeding frenzy as they crowded around the tables to sit or stand to eat their meals and chat with other business owners and guests. The noise level in the room was a great indicator that people were having a great time! Tyrone and Porscha Hopkins, along with their Daughters Kareemah and Kameela and business partner Noemi Preciado, have made a statement by serving great and tasty barbecue and specialty items that are amazing. Add the delicious desserts and they have hit a home run!

I-Que BBQ was started by two educators (that’s why the name “I-QUE” BBQ) that worked together at Horizon Christian Academy producing great food for school parties and catering for celebrations until the school closed. However, the demand for their barbecue items continued and they decided to open their restaurant at 8733 Broadway in La Mesa. Tyrone Hopkins, the Pit Master was the successful head basketball coach (won a state championship) and also the Dean of Students at the school and restaurant partner, Noemi Preciado was the Spanish Teacher at the school for 25 years. These two educators are happy to educate you on the art of delicious BBQ.

They serve their popular items three days a week: Thursday, Friday and Saturday between the hours of 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. So, if you want their barbecue items you better mark your calendar and go in or place an order on those days over the phone to (619) 303-6354 or via their website: www.iquebbqsd.com. Catering orders can be placed anytime, directly to Tyrone at 619–957-8335. That’s the only way you can eat their barbecue on other days of the week.

Photos courtesy of Sandra Small/ Photographer and EvieZphotography.com.

Join us for a fun-filled evening and meet members of the business community and see what goods and services they offer and enter a chance to win 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 opportunity to our businesses and the public. To celebrate our ability 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.

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

For details, visit summerbash.lamesachamber.com.

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

Join Assemblymember Akilah Weber and staff for our first District Office Meet and Greet!

On Monday, June 14, 2021, you will have the chance to virtually meet your Assemblymember and district office staff serving the 79th District. Hear about constituent services, legislative updates, and more!

Date: Monday, June 14, 2021

Time: 5:00-6:00 p.m.

View full newsletter here.

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

Marvin Sears, owner of Studio M.I.F. has recently released an album, “M.I.F. The AJNA Album.” You may access this album via Apple Music Tidal 15MIF. Marvin has owned his recording studio for 10 years. Throughout that time, he has been helping artists hone their skills and record their music. He has now decided to record his own music, The AJNA Album.

There’s one pandemic change that Californians are sure to toast: The “to-go” cocktail. The Governor announced last week that the state will continue allowing restaurants to sell takeout alcohol and keep expanded outdoor dining through the end of the year. The extensions come as California plans to lift most business restrictions and social distancing rules on June 15, allowing restaurants to resume indoor service at full capacity. The ABC relaxed regulations in March 2020 to let restaurants sell alcohol to go, right around the stay-at-home order, shuttering restaurants for in-person dining. The department has issued more than10,000 of those licenses. People are saying that outdoor dining is here to stay. Lawmakers could permanently extend the allowance of to-go cocktails through a bill by state Sen. Bill Dodd, a Napa Democrat. He said his proposal would boost income for struggling restaurants and give customers a greater choice. Source – The San Diego Union Tribune- Olga R. Rodriguez & Kathleen Ronayne. Photo: Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times.

To enter to win Padres tickets you must receive a dose of the COVID-19 vaccine at a participating COVID-19 vaccination mobile clinic operated by the County of San Diego from June 3-June 30th and submit a registration form at the clinic site.

For a schedule of Mobile Vaccination sites, visit coronavirus-sd.com

For details visit here or contact vaxdrawing@browncando.com.

When California fully reopens the economy, the state will move beyond the Blueprint for a Safer Economy.

Beginning June 15, all sectors listed in the current Blueprint Activities and Business Tiers Chart may return to usual operations (with the limited exceptions noted for Mega Events) based on the general public health recommendations listed here. (Q&A | Handout and Messaging)

We are calling on the youth and young adults (ages 12-24) in San Diego to raise awareness on the importance of the COVID-19 vaccine.

The video and visual art challenge is now open! [Flyer] Submissions are due by June 14.

To learn more about the rules, categories, and to submit an entry, visit here.

Monoclonal antibodies may help people with mild or moderate COVID (who are at high risk of progressing to severe COVID-19 and/or hospitalization) by preventing them from getting sicker and/or hospitalized due to COVID.

If you think you qualify, call (619) 685-2500 to schedule an appointment or with any questions. You are also encouraged to talk to your doctor to see if you are medically eligible for this treatment and to receive a referral.

Caltrans Crews will close a section of eastbound Interstate 8 (I-8) at State Route 67 beginning Friday at 9 p.m. through Monday at 5 a.m. for bridge repairs.

Detour signs will be posted directing motorists on eastbound I-8 to exit at northbound State Route 125 (SR-125), to eastbound State Route 52 (SR-52), to southbound SR-67, to eastbound I-8. Please see the detour map.

Additional closures will also be in place as follows:

Through traffic between Magnolia Avenue and SR-67 will remain open during the weekend.

Motorists are encouraged to avoid the area if possible and to prepare for delays by allowing additional travel time to reach their destinations.

Ongoing lane closures on both directions of I-8 from .5 miles west of Ballantyne Street to just east of Ballantyne Street will continue Monday, June 14 through Thursday, June 17 at 9 p.m. to 5 a.m.

A second set of weekend closures will take place on westbound I-8 The following closures and detours will take place Friday, June 18 at 9 p.m. through Monday, June 21 at 5 a.m. as follows:

Caltrans began bridge deck repairs at I-8/SR-67 in mid-May with nighttime lane reductions on I-8 from .5 miles west of Ballantyne Street to just east of Ballantyne Street. Crews are working weeknights and weekends to expedite completion set for mid-August.

Caltrans thanks community members for their patience during this necessary bridge work. Please drive with caution during construction activities and Be Work Zone Alert!

The construction schedule is subject to change due to weather conditions, traffic incidents, or construction related reasons.

Follow @SDCaltrans on Twitter at www.twitter.com/SDCaltrans and like Caltrans District 11 on Facebook at www.facebook.com/CaltransDistrict11 for news related to state transportation in San Diego and Imperial counties.

Construction During COVID-19 Pandemic: Caltrans District 11 offices will be closed to in person business and are providing service remotely. Public works construction is deemed essential and our partners, contractors, and workers are following U.S. Center for Disease Control and California Department of Public Health guidelines at all construction sites. For more information about COVID-19, visit: covid19.ca.gov

A more inclusive, equitable San Diego County is within reach. But, we must actively work for it. Join Chair Nathan Fletcher in leading the fight for a budget which truly delivers for the people of San Diego County.

It is imperative we use the budget to drive an equitable recovery from COVID-19, address historical inequities and ensure our recovery does not deepen existing gaps. With your help, we can protect & empower working families, support communities of color disproportionately impacted by the pandemic, and make San Diego County a government which delivers care & compassion through its services.

Join us Thursday, June 10th at 6:00PM to play an active role in shaping the 2021-22 County Budget. Show up for our future. RSVP for our Virtual Town Hall HERE.

With time remaining in the Budget Process, your input can be transformational in ensuring the needs of you and your community are reflected in the budget. The timeline for the remainder of the Budget Process can be viewed below.

Finally something to celebrate, live in-person racing at Del Mar! We are delighted to welcome you and your guests back to join us this summer Friday, July 16th-September 6th; racing Thursday through Sunday (except 7/22).

We’ve all been awaiting the reopening of California and I am happy to say you can now reserve your day at the races! Please complete and submit the group reservation form to secure your desired date and location.

The health and safety of our guests is a top priority of the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club. As such, we have a few modifications in place this summer:

We will continue to monitor public health guidelines and adjust our plans as the state makes additional progress and updates its recommendations.

A day at the races is still the perfect summer getaway. A day trip to reconnect with friends, family, and colleagues. Enjoy the sound of the thundering hooves as horses race to the finish line. If you're lucky, maybe even win a few wagers! I can’t wait to hear the roar of the crowd once again and look forward to your visit trackside this summer!

Don’t discard – shred your household documents in a quick and easy way.

The City of La Mesa is sponsoring another free paper shredding event for La Mesa residents on Saturday, June 12, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at La Mesa’s EDCO Station, located at 8184 Commercial Street.

Limited to two bankers boxes (10”x12”x15”) per household and the shredding will be done onsite. No appointment necessary.

A limited amount of free mulch will be available on a self-loading, first-come, first-served basis.

This City event is made possible through the generous support of the EDCO Disposal Corporation. Questions can be directed to 619.667.1338 or 619.287.7555.

San Diego foodies, look no further– HOME•GROWN•FUN has something to satisfy all of your cravings!

Salty, sweet, healthy or fried, our diverse menus range from traditional Fair favorites to new and innovative recipes. The classic corndog or cinnamon roll is always a great place to start...but why not have both wrapped or topped-off with bacon?

A stroll down the Avenue will lead you to some of your fried must-haves...follow that nostalgic aroma to Australian Battered Potatoes and Chicken Charlie's!

Be sure to bring along a fellow food lover to go splits with so you can try more fare. Admission is just $10, and with nearly forty food stands to choose from, it's worth a trip just to eat!

Everything in one place–doesn't that sound nice? From kitchen gadgets to Hawaiian apparel, HOME•GROWN•FUN is a shopping paradise. Whether you browse, buy, or engage in live product demonstrations, you're sure to be entertained!

As summer approaches, vendors await you for all of your home design and landscaping needs...Have you been looking for the perfect BBQ?

Forget online shopping and stroll amongst our vast halls to remember what its like to get out and shop in-person again. Our friendly vendors are ready to share their unique products, hands-on experience and HOME•GROWN deals with you!

Credit and debit cards are recommended for contactless payment, as some vendors may not accept cash.

Looking to make some extra bucks? It's not too late to get a summer job. We're looking for parking and ticketing attendants, security guards, traffic controllers, and operational support.

Come be part of the team that creates summer fun for San Diego!

The American Red Cross is offering to educate our community virtually on safety and how to reduce home fire deaths and injuries. Did you know that home fires are the most common emergency across the country? Each year the Red Cross responds to an average of more than 60,000 disasters, the vast majority are home fires. Home fires claim SEVEN lives every day!

The Red Cross is now scheduling virtual home fire safety education sessions in our community. You will learn how to create a safety plan, and how to stop home fires before they start. The campaign to reduce home fire-related deaths and injuries looks different this year, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. When it’s safe, they will be partnering with fire departments to install smoke alarms in homes.

These personalized sessions can be requested by calling 619-354-9609 or by signing up on their website at SoundTheAlarm.org/SoCal. The flyer below provides all the information you need.

The Chamber encourages you to sign up and schedule your personalized Free Home Fire Education session NOW. Together, we can stop home fire deaths and injuries!

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