La Mesa Chamber News | July 12, 2021
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Your Weekly La Mesa Chamber News
In case you missed last week's email blast: June 28 Eblast
Don't Forget to Apply for the Small Business Stimulus Grant
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:

All Businesses in La Mesa - Whether a La Mesa Chamber Member Or Not - Can Contact Mary England for Assistance in Applying for This Grant

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.

We have attached the Small Business Stimulus Grant package and provided the link so that you may find the information. The link is: 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.
Ray Sweeney is Named the New La Mesa Police Chief
Ray Sweeney was recently named the new Police Chief of La Mesa. He has 20 years experience in our La Mesa Police Department and is keenly aware of the community, has relationships with community leaders and looks forward to implementing new programs that will provide outreach to our businesses and residents. He is currently working on a potential weekly activity that is called “Community Conversations” that allows him to visit at locations within the city to meet and talk with folks, which will be a great opportunity to share questions, comments and concerns you may have regarding our police department. We will offer an opportunity for businesses to meet him on a date in the future.

QUESTIONNAIRE

Would you like to meet Police Chief Ray Sweeney at a date in the future - the location will probably be the Community Room at the La Mesa Police Department. The times we will offer for that meeting - the date will be determined in the near future:
If YES - which timeframe do you prefer?
I prefer a 5 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. timeframe
I prefer a 5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. timeframe
We Need to Hear From You! Take the La Mesa Business Survey
Attention All Chamber Members & Business Owners!

The City is Expecting Approximately $10.8 Million From the American Rescue Plan Act Funds - These Funds Are to Help With the Impacts of COVID-19

As we begin the road to recovery together, it is important to reflect on the last year. We all had our own individual challenges and learned that this community is strong and our business community is resilient. It is important to capture some data that identifies the direct impacts of COVID. As the City of La Mesa looks to spending portions of the $10.8 million of American Rescue Plan Act funds, it is our hope that some of those funds may be directed to small businesses and nonprofits throughout the City of La Mesa. However, we need to collect information from all of you to see if there is a need, and identify that need. Be sure and pass this survey on to other business within the City of La Mesa to share their opinion, as well.

Answer questions on the survey NOW! Tell us how COVID-19 has impacted your life and business, and if you need any type of assistance. Until we know what your needs are, it is difficult to ask for any portion of these funds. Tell us how funding would help with your economic recovery. We are all in this together!

Welcome to Our New Members!
USA Properties Fund

USA Properties Fund Affordable and Transit Oriented Apartment Development Project @ 8181 Allison Avenue (proposed for City of La Mesa Old Police Headquarters Site)
2247 San Diego Ave #130, San Diego, CA 92110
(619) 234-0607 | 8181allison.com
Ultimate Catering Concepts

We are an amazing catering company that has a passion for food, quality, service and of course friendship. We believe that all food events should be fun and enjoyable.
8030 La Mesa Blvd., La Mesa, CA 91942
Ultimate Catering Concepts will be a food provider at our "Summer Bash" Business Expo! Buy your ticket NOW to enjoy food samplings INCLUDED with your admission!
Sears Mechanical

Sears Mechanical, Inc. was started in 2012 as a major business of installation of HVAC, Plumbing, Water Conditioning and Welded pipe systems.
7870 Broadway, Lemon Grove, CA 91945
(619) 500-8144 | www.searsmechanical.com
4C Business
Executive Coaching & Spiritual Direction
Our Philosophy is Simple: Success is aligning our goals with God’s goals and achieving them.
(858) 220-2974 | www.4cbusiness.com
☀️ The Bash is in 9 DAYS! 🌴
The 7th Annual “Summer Bash” Business Expo is Almost Here -
For Fun, Food & Festivities – Order Your Ticket NOW!
It’s been a LONG time since we have been able to be together, under one roof. Take this opportunity to come out and see us! Make plans to come out and see friends and meet new ones at the 7th Annual “Summer Bash" Business Expo. This is an excellent opportunity to meet members of the business community and see what goods and services they offer and enter a chance to win FREE Door Prizes from each business vendor. It looks like we will be giving away over 48 FREE Door Prizes, in addition to other raffles and activities. Join us and have some fun, see friends and sample some great food. To celebrate this GREAT opportunity 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.
Wednesday, July 21st 
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.

For details, visit summerbash.lamesachamber.com.
Sponsorships still available – Call Mary England 619-251-7730 or maryengland@lamesachamber.com
Presenting Sponsor:
Union Bank
Venue Partner:
Courtyard by Marriott San Diego El Cajon
🥂 Mix & Mingle This Thursday! 🍷
Join Us for a Mixer and Ribbon Cutting on July 15th at TownePlace Suites by Marriott San Diego Downtown
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.
Thursday, July 15th

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
🍴 Get Your Early Bird "Taste" Tickets! 🍤
The 12th Annual Taste of San Diego - East is on Monday, August 30th
The Chamber’s 12th annual popular “foodie” event is happening on Monday, August 30, 2021. This special evening where guests can “eat their hearts out” will be between 5-8 p.m. at the newly renovated Town & Country Hotel in Mission Valley. The popularity and crowd of this annual event has outgrown the La Mesa Community Center, where it was held for the first 10 years. So, make plans to join us and “Taste, Savor and Mingle” in one ballroom, with plenty of room to stroll throughout the food and business vendor tables. Enjoy great food samplings, free prizes from business sponsors/vendors, a silent auction and raffles during this fun-filled evening.
Monday, August 30, 2021

Time: 5-8pm
VIP Tasting: 5-8p
General Admission Tasting: 6-8pm
Sponsor Tasting: 4:30-8pm

Where: Town and Country San Diego
500 Hotel Circle North in Mission Valley

Early Bird Tickets (purchased by 8/2021):
Early Bird VIP: $60, 5-8pm | Early Bird General Admission: $40, 6-8pm

For details and to buy tickets, visit taste.lamesachamber.com.
La Mesa Chamber Summer Sizzling Specials
$25 off membership renewal fee to every member that refers a new member!
Join the Chamber from July 12 thru September 20, 2021 - We’ll Waive the $25 Application Fee!
From City of La Mesa: Free Disposal of Hazardous Waste - Next Date is July 17th
From Assemblymember Weber: Legislative updates, budget wins, and more in the month of June
Dr. Akilah Weber's Assembly News

I would like to formally introduce myself as your Assemblymember. My name is Dr. Akilah Weber, and I am delighted to serve the 79th Assembly District!

I am a La Mesa resident and previously served as Vice-Mayor for the City of La Mesa before I was elected to the State Assembly in April 2021. I was excited to work in the 79th Assembly District, and it has been non-stop ever since. June has been very eventful-we celebrated graduations, Juneteenth, and California officially reopened. Through all of this, I hope you all are doing well and mindfully protecting your health and overall well-being.

Please enjoy my newsletter that will be sent to your email only once a month. You will get useful information about my legislative package, events, district updates, and other important state information.

If you have any questions or need assistance, my office is here to assist you.

Sincerely,
Akilah Weber, M.D.
Assemblymember, 79th District
La Mesa Offers Free Summer Concerts in the Park
Two more opportunities to experience the music and enjoy the food at our “Sundays at Six” summer concerts scheduled through July 25th at Harry Griffen Park Amphitheatre located at 9550 Milden Street.

'Taco Love Taco Truck' will be on-site from 5:00 - 7:00 PM - enjoy the authentic taste of great tacos, enchiladas, burritos, and more.

Grab a picnic and lawn chair and relax at the beautiful outdoor amphitheater at Harry Griffen Park located at 9550 Milden Street, from 6:00 – 7:00 P.M.

  • July 18: Rachel Aldous & the Road Home – Blue Grass
  • July 25 Breez’n – Variety 

For more information go to cityoflamesa.us/specialevents, email friends@lamesaparks.org or call 619.667.1300.
The Regional Decarbonization Framework
A Partnership to Move the Region to Zero-Carbon
Please join us on July 14 for a discussion about the next phase in the County’s efforts to achieve zero carbon in the region by 2035. During the 9 a.m. Board meeting on the 14th, the Supervisors will consider a path forward for our Regional Decarbonization Framework. Details on how to participate in the meeting can be found here. More information on the Framework approach can be found in the official board letter starting on July 7. The Framework is intended to provide science-based pathways for reducing carbon that are tailored to the key sectors of San Diego’s economy. It fosters regional collaboration between public agencies, universities, schools, business, labor and communities. The actions on July 14 follow the Board’s January 27, 2021 direction to staff to develop the Framework in partnership with the University of California San Diego (UCSD) School of Global Policy and Strategy and the University of San Diego (USD) Energy Policy Initiatives Center. Working together, they will create strategies and initiatives to achieve zero carbon in the region by 2035.

How is this different from the Climate Action Plan (CAP) the County is updating? 

The Regional Decarbonization Framework is different in scope, geography and purpose than the County’s Climate Action Plan (CAP). The CAP update would limit greenhouse gases from activities within the County’s municipal control, including emissions associated with people living, working and driving in the unincorporated area, as well as the County operations and facilities. On the other hand, the framework will prescribe regional pathways to reduce carbon considering their socio-economic benefits, particularly for historically underserved communities.

The CAP mitigates greenhouse gas emissions associated with existing and new development governed by the County’s 2011 General Plan. The Regional Decarbonization Framework is not linked to any specific land-use, transportation or energy plan. It will be a collaborative effort between the public and private sectors.

We value your engagement in the programs and services we provide. If you have questions about the Framework moving forward, contact Murtaza Baxamusa at Murtaza.Baxamusa@sdcounty.ca.gov.
From the San Diego County Water Authority: A Drought-Safe Summer and a 0% Budget Increase
Good afternoon, San Diego County leaders.

The start of summer brings with it fun in the sun that we can all thankfully enjoy a little more now that state COVID-19 mandates are relaxing. For many parts of California, however, it also means serious concern about drought and water supplies. Extremely dry conditions statewide are highlighting the value of locally controlled water supplies in San Diego County. No shortages or regional water-use mandates are in the forecast, the result of three decades of strategic investments that create an aquatic safety net for San Diego County’s $253 billion economy and quality of life for 3.3 million residents.

In recent weeks, several media outlets have highlighted how our long-term supply reliability investments are protecting our region this summer:

The Water Authority board and our member agencies offer sincere thanks to all San Diegans for the investments and water-efficiency upgrades that help ensure we have enough water to meet the region’s needs both now and for the future. San Diego County ratepayers have conserved more than 1 million acre-feet of water over the past three decades, and per capita water use across the region has decreased nearly 50% since the devastating drought of the early 1990s.

In related news, our Board of Directors adopted a $1.7 billion budget for fiscal years 2022-2023 -- a 0% change from the current two-year budget -- as well as water rates and charges for calendar year 2022. The all-in rate, which is a blend of fixed and variable rates, will rise by 3.6% for treated water and 3.3% for untreated water in calendar year 2022. Actual water bills will vary based on customers’ water use, along with factors unique to their local retail water agencies.

This increase was driven by rising costs from the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California and other factors. You can read the whole story here:
We are very proud of this budget and rates package in an era of unprecedented challenges. We plan to pursue several key initiatives during this next two-year budget cycle, including:
  • Long-term planning
  • Capital improvements to protect our regional infrastructure
  • Collaborating with member agencies on projects and programs to invest in local supplies and outreach on the value of water

Thank you again for all that you do to safeguard our region’s future, and remember to stay water-smart this summer. We got this!
The Cal Coast Cares Foundation Awards Scholarships to
32 Local Students
The Cal Coast Cares Foundation is awarding over $65,000 in scholarships to 32 local high school and foster students in San Diego and Riverside Counties.
Every year, the non-profit foundation provides scholarships to current college students, graduating high school seniors, and foster students throughout San Diego and Riverside counties to pursue their dreams of higher education.

“These students have remained resilient and continued to strive toward their goals despite the unprecedented challenges they faced in the past year,” said California Coast Credit Union President & CEO Todd Lane. “Being able lighten the financial burden of higher education is more important than ever, and we are honored to provide this support.”

The Foundation also awarded $25,000 to students currently attending local colleges, bringing the total awarded in 2021 to $91,000.

In addition to student scholarships, the Cal Coast Cares Foundation also awards grants to San Diego and Riverside county teachers to support class projects that advance any of the STREAM fields (Science, Technology, Reading, Engineering, Arts, and Math). Applications are due August 16, 2021. For grant application information and to apply, please visit: www.calcoastcu.org/community/cal-coast-cares-foundation/.

The Cal Coast Cares Foundation was established by California Coast Credit Union in 2015 as a non-profit organization to give back to the community by providing scholarship opportunities for local students and grants for educators. You can help students and teachers by donating to the Cal Coast Cares Foundation by visiting the Cal Coast website at www.calcoastcu.org.
SDCCU Stuff the Bus is Collecting Monetary Donations for Back-to-School Supplies for the More Than 20,000 Homeless Students in San Diego County
Throughout July, donate online or at any Ralphs or Food 4 Less grocery store location in San Diego County
Kids face many hardships—school supplies should not be one of them. That’s why SDCCU Stuff the Bus is once again collecting monetary donations to purchase back-to-school supplies for students experiencing homelessness—to help set these students up for success in the coming school year. The annual Stuff the Bus campaign, now in its 7th year, was launched in partnership with San Diego County Credit Union® (SDCCU®), the San Diego County Office of Education and iHeartMedia radio stations in support of Live Well San Diego. A portion of donations will also assist San Diego Youth Services’ various food programs to provide meals for homeless youth. This year, in addition to the online collection, the community can also make in-store monetary donations at any Ralphs or Food 4 Less grocery store location in San Diego County. Having a backpack and all of the needed back-to-school supplies is essential for success in the school year. A small donation can make a big difference in the life of a student in need.

“The students and families experiencing homelessness need resources and assistance with school, hygiene and other supplies when heading back to school,” said Susie Terry, coordinator, Homeless Liaison Foster Youth & Homeless Education Services at San Diego County Office of Education. “This drive will allow us to assist in relieving some of the burden for these families. Each year, we have seen and heard from our local schools explaining how much it means to the families to receive these supplies. We are so grateful for our continued partnership with SDCCU that helps us impact more and more students each year!”

More than 20,000 school-age children were identified as homeless during the last school year. Homelessness for school-age children can mean living in a shelter, sharing a residence with multiple families, living in a car or trailer in San Diego County or sharing a room in an apartment with relatives. Homelessness is not limited to urban, downtown San Diego—it also affects suburban school districts all over the county.

“We ask the entire San Diego community to please support this effort and donate to help set these children up for success in the new school year. We are proud to once again partner with the San Diego County Office of Education and iHeartMedia, as well as adding Ralphs and Food 4 Less this year to help make a big difference in the lives of homeless students throughout the county,” said Teresa Campbell, SDCCU president and CEO.

Monetary donations will be accepted in-store at all Ralphs and Food 4 Less grocery store locations in San Diego County through July 31, as well as online at sdccu.com/donate.

SDCCU, the San Diego County Office of Education and iHeartMedia are proud Live Well San Diego partners. The County Board of Supervisors launched Live Well San Diego in 2010 with the goal of achieving healthy, safe and thriving communities across the region by partnering with community and city leaders, schools, businesses, non-profit organizations and residents.
What's next for the 2021 Regional Plan?
Share your input at a public hearing

This month, SANDAG will host two virtual public hearings on the draft 2021 Regional Plan at meetings of the SANDAG Transportation Committee and Board of Directors. Attend virtually to share your comments!

Mark your calendar:

Simultaneous interpretation in Spanish will be available at each public hearing. Comments provided at the public hearings will be documented and responded to within the final 2021 Regional Plan.
Thanks for attending a virtual open house

Last month, hundreds of community members joined our virtual open house series to explore the draft 2021 Regional Plan and proposed improvements for your community. Thank you to everyone who tuned in and shared feedback!

If you missed an open house, don’t worry! You can catch up with the subregional open houses on the SANDAGmeetings YouTube channel:
From SDG&E: 10 Ways to Stay Safe While Working From Home
Many people have transitioned to a work-from-home schedule over the past year. Here are ten electric safety tips to implement:
  1. Avoid overloading outlets and use a power strip. 
  2. Unplug appliances when you’re not using them to save energy and minimize the risk of shock or fire.
  3. Regularly inspect electrical cords and extension cords for damage.
  4. Extension cords should be used only on a temporary basis.
  5. Never plug a space heater or fan into an extension cord or power strip.
  6. Never run cords under rugs, carpets, doors or windows.
  7. Plug in smartly – make sure cords do not become tripping hazards.
  8. Keep papers and other potential combustibles at least three feet away from space heaters and other heat sources.
  9. Make sure you use proper wattage for lamps and lighting.
  10. Make sure your home has smoke alarms. Test them monthly, change batteries annually and replace the alarm every 10 years

For more safety tips, visit sdge.com/safety.
La Mesa Chamber Calendar
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

August 30 - "Taste of San Diego - East" : 5-8pm at Town and Country San Diego in Mission Valley | Details/Buy Tickets

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

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

NOTE: We recommend those that are feeling ill, or who have been exposed to someone who is ill – please stay home.
For local La Mesa News, please visit lamesacourier.com
Show Off Your Membership With Pride!
"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.
Special Thank You to Our Premium Members
Diamond Member
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
(619) 465-2900 | www.grossmontcenter.com
Platinum Members
SMIB Management, Inc.
Gold Members
AAA Imaging
American Medical Response
Barnes & Noble -
Grossmont Center
Benchmark Financial
Community Spectrum
DJ Amor Cito
Discovering My City Magazine
EDCO Waste & Recycling Corp.
Frazier Farms
Kostedt Design & Marketing
Magnaglobe Enterprises
Major Security Services
Park Station
PenChecks, Inc.
Productivity Plus Office Support
San Pasqual Winery
Sanctuary Cruises
Sears Mechanical
Studio M.I.F.
The East County Californian
Ultimate Catering Concepts
Vision Studio Concepts
Thank you for being a member and for your support!

Mary England
President & CEO
Cell: 619-251-7730
La Mesa Chamber of Commerce ∙ P.O. Box 94 ∙ La Mesa, California 91944