Your Weekly La Mesa Chamber News

In case you missed last week's e-blast: September 6 Eblast See more past email blasts here.

🍺 Don’t Be Left Out! 🍺

RSVP Now for Our Annual Hooleys Mixer on September 21st

Join us at the Evening Mixer at Hooleys Public House at Grossmont Center! We are pleased to offer great food from Hooleys to fill your stomach! The menu is sure to please!

See why Hooleys Public House is a popular destination and why Craig McDonald is a VERY popular owner! The great food, friendly atmosphere and fantastic staff are key to Craig’s success.

The Chamber will host a raffle and other surprises. Be sure to bring your business cards while you mix and mingle.

Wednesday, September 21, 2022  

Time: 5:30 - 7:00 p.m.  

Location: Hooleys Public House | 5500 Grossmont Center Drive #277, La Mesa, CA 91941

Evening cost: FREE to ALL Chamber Members | Guests: $15 | At Door Guests: $25

Welcome to Our New Chamber Members!

Helix Water District

Helix Water District is a progressive industry leader, providing treated water to residents of East San Diego County.

7811 University Ave., La Mesa | (619) 466-0585 | www.hwd.com | Facebook: @helixwater

Chuck E. Cheese

The ultimate kids' birthday party place for everyday fun. Join us for arcade games, pizza & group events!

5500 Grossmont Center Dr. Ste J-34, La Mesa | (619) 597-6733 | www.chuckecheese.com

Budget Blinds of La Mesa

Custom window treatments, exterior shades and smart home automation. Lutron certified. Licensed, bonded and insured. License 1093931.

(619) 842-7711 | budgetblinds.com/la-mesa-ca | Facebook: @budgetblinds | Twitter: @budgetblinds | Instagram: @budget_blinds_official

La Mesa Chamber Launches a Brand New Raffle

“Show Me the Money” Raffle

Our members have enjoyed participating in our mixer and event raffles and drawings throughput the past 14 years. We decided to take the raffle concept to a new level and have created the “Show Me the Money” raffle.

This drawing will award the following cash prizes:

1st Prize: $2,500

2nd Prize: $1,000

3rd Prize: $500

Tickets are on sale NOW with the drawing taking place on Wednesday, December 7, 2022 (right before the holidays). WINNER NEED NOT BE PRESENT TO WIN!

Donation Options:

1 for $10 |3 for $20 | 10 for $50 | 30 for $100

We are happy to answer your questions or sell you tickets.

Let the La Mesa Chamber “Show YOU the Money!”

Groundbreaking for Grossmont Post Acute Care New Building in La Mesa

On Tuesday, September 20, 2022, the groundbreaking ceremony to celebrate the construction kick-off for the new 45,000 square foot Grossmont Post Acute Care center will take place. The groundbreaking and celebration will be held between the hours 4 p.m. – 6 p.m. at the building site of 5601 Grossmont Center Drive (the old 24-hour Fitness Center). The “official” groundbreaking will be held at 5:30 p.m. Parking is available at the existing Grossmont Post Acute Care building at 8787 Center Drive which is right by the construction site.

Grossmont Post Acute Care will build on its existing experience and expertise to offer premier inpatient short-term rehabilitation and skilled nursing services, along with outpatient rehabilitation services. Join us and meet the Executive Director of the facility, Katherine Oh who will be joined by Ensign Services CEO, Barry Port and COO, Spencer Burton. Appetizers and beverages will be served. This event is complimentary but we encourage you to RSVP so we can order the refreshments accordingly.

Tuesday, September 20, 2022  

Time: 4 - 6 p.m. - "Official" Groundbreaking: 5:30 p.m.

Location: Building site of 5601 Grossmont Center Drive (the old 24-hour Fitness Center).

Parking is available at the existing Grossmont Post Acute Care building at 8787 Center Dr., right by the construction site.

The La Mesa Chamber Partners With the American Red Cross to Make a Difference in Our Community

The La Mesa Chamber is producing a community event, "Shop & Dine La Mesa” on Saturday, September 24th at the the Marketplace at Lake Murray Village shopping center located at the corner of Baltimore Drive and Lake Murray Blvd. (5550-5680 Lake Murray Blvd.) between the hours of 11 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. During this family-friendly FREE event, we will be collecting blood donations to help save lives. The need for blood is constant and volunteer donors are needed to fill that need for patients in our community. Please see the interactions below to participate:

1. Secure your donation appointment now by visiting  tinyurl.com/shopdineblooddrive.
2. Ask others to donate.
3. Volunteer at the blood drive through Mary England at (619) 251-7730 or maryengland@lamesachamber.com.
4. Spread the word in social media, at community engagements, or at events with family and friends. Many know the value of donation and will relish the convenience our blood drive presents to donate.

In addition to this blood drive the “Shop & Dine” La Mesa event will offer a classic car show, the Live Well San Diego County van, a canine ambassador from the San Diego Humane Society, games and prizes for everyone, as well as face painting and balloon artists to entertain children. The Chamber is encouraging guests to shop at the stores in the shopping center while there and enter into a shopping card drawing hosted by the Chamber to win valuable prizes. Join us in this FREE family-friendly activity and have some fun while there! 

14th Annual Salute to Local Heroes & Installation Dinner

This evening is our opportunity to come together and honor those that are dedicated to the citizens of La Mesa and our community. The pandemic has given us a great opportunity to see our local heroes in action. We are celebrating those that serve our community in extraordinary ways from: the La Mesa Police Department, Heartland Fire & Rescue – La Mesa, AMR Paramedics, and the Retired Senior Volunteer Patrol. During this evening we will also install our Board of Directors.

Wednesday, October 5, 2022

Time: 5:30 – 8:45 p.m.

Location: Sycuan Casino Resort

5485 Casino Way, El Cajon, CA 92019

Wachena Ballroom (property map)

Ticket Pricing:

Individual tickets: $95 ⟡ 2 for $170 ⟡ Table of 8 for $640

Complimentary Valet parking included ⟡ All reservations held at the door

For details: Call 619-465-7700 or email rsvp@lamesachamber.com or visit

Salute.LaMesaChamber.com

Cabrillo Credit Union Celebrates New Location on October 13th with Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting Activities

Cabrillo Credit Union is moving to their new location at 5454 Grossmont Center Drive in La Mesa. To celebrate this momentous occasion, they will offer a special grand opening event, on Thursday, October 13th between the hours of 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. (with the official ribbon cutting happening at 6:00 p.m.). The evening will include activities that are sure to please, great food, beverages, prizes, photo opportunities, and more!

Cabrillo Credit Union has enjoyed a long and prosperous history dating back to 1955. That history has demonstrated growth, consistency, and a dedication to the credit union members they serve. They offer a growing set of services that include – personal savings and checking accounts, home loans, home equity lines of credit and auto loans.

Don’t miss out on the fun! Please join us and wish the Cabrillo Credit Union team our good wishes for many more years of success in La Mesa! Please RSVP to ensure that we prepare enough refreshments to: rsvp@lamesachamber.com or register online.

La Mesa Chamber Offers a FREE Social Media Class for Members on Thursday, October 20th

Do you use social media to enhance your business? Have you wanted to utilize social media more than you do now in your business? Do you need help understanding how to post on social media, connect with your current customers and potential customers? Well, we have the answer - join us on October 20th and learn from the social media team of Focuscom, Inc. how to make the most of your Instagram posts and publicize all of the great things you do for clients and tell people all about your business. 

Focuscom Inc. is a public relations agency that has experience working with people and delivering results that increase a company’s bottom line that is built on trust, expertise and value. Owner, Dan Hom set out in 2006 to establish a public affairs and public relations firm that makes connections and builds relationships.The Chamber has been partnering with Focuscom Inc. to promote our members and the goods and services they provide. In addition to that fact, we have had Focuscom Inc. attend our events and capture them via Instagram and other social media.

In our ongoing effort to assist our members and help them be the best they can be, we have asked the Focuscom Inc. staff members, Hanna Kim and Ben Lincoln to lead a training session for our members to share their social media expertise. This training session will help our members gain information, coaching and guidance to utilize social media in their day-to-day lives and business activities.

Thursday, October 20th

Time: 5:30 - 7:00 p.m.

5:30 p.m. Social - appetizers served

6:00 - 7:00 p.m. - Training

Location: Marie Callender’s (back meeting room)

6950 Alvarado Rd., San Diego 92120

Who: La Mesa Chamber members only

Cost: FREE

RSVP so we can prepare enough appetizers and bring enough supplies for each of you.

RSVP to: rsvp@lamesachamber.com or register online.

From the City of La Mesa: September 9, 2022 City Manager Update

Board and Commission Openings

The Youth Advisory Commission is looking for students ages 13 to 20 years old to help plan activities for youth and promote positive relations between youth and the City. 

This Commission is currently looking to fill multiple vacancies with members who live in or attend a school within the City of La Mesa and provides volunteer experience for those involved. For more information, visit the Youth Advisory Commission webpage.

The Community Parking Commission is also looking to fill a vacancy with a business owner, resident, or property owner in the Downtown Village. The Commission acts in an advisory capacity to the City Council regarding parking-related issues within the Parking District. For more information, visit the Community Parking Commission webpage.

Partial Road Closure August 22 - September 30

Construction began at 8181 Allison Avenue on Monday, August 22, 2022. The construction activities will take place between 7 a.m. - 5 p.m. through September 30, 2022. The project work will include concrete cutting in the public right-of-way which will require the closure of the northbound lane on Date Street between Orange and Allison Avenues. Traffic controls will be in place to help navigate traffic through these intersections.

If you have questions related to this project, please reach out by email to info@theclayco.com, or during the construction process to: Project Supervisor, Santiago del Rio at 916.724.3837.

New Community Bicycle Repair Station

The City of La Mesa has installed a new bicycle repair station to provide basic bicycle repair and maintenance tools to community bicyclists. The bicycle repair area is located on Allison Ave in between City Hall and Fire Station 11, just outside of the La Mesa Branch Library at 8074 Allison Ave. This self-serve station contains tools needed to perform do-it yourself bicycle repairs and maintenance such as changing a flat tire to adjusting brakes, and includes screwdrivers, wrenches, and hex tools. The repair station also features a heavy duty bicycle tire air pump. Users can scan a QR code to access detailed instructions for various repairs. This supports the City’s Climate Action Plan transportation measures to expand bicycle infrastructure and was funded through the 2022 SANDAG GO by BIKE grant.  

Movies in the Park - September 23

Join us for the next Movie in the Park on Friday, September 23, at La Mesita Park featuring the movie Soul. Bring the whole family to the park for a free Friday film night. Games and vendors will be at the park at 5:30 PM and you are welcome to come early to picnic before the movie. Please keep your furry friends on a leash at all times around and in the park. The movie will begin 15 minutes after sunset, at approximately 7 PM. For more event information on events, please visit cityoflamesa.us/specialevents. 

From the Live Well San Diego Business Sector: Updates for the Business Community 09.14.2022

Topics include:

• SDG&E Funds Tuition-Free Program to Train Arborists to Clear Utility Wires
• Pre-Apprenticeship Construction Training
• The County of San Diego Office of Emergency Services
• New COVID-19 Boosters That Target Multiple Strains Expected To Be Available Next Week
• MPX Home Isolation Guidance for the General Public
• Check Your Mood Day
• And more

From Teague Insurance: HR Survival Tip for California Employers

HR News - California Laws on Sick and Vacation Time

It's Sick, Not Vacation Time

"I don't offer paid vacations so I just let my employees use their sick time however they want."

Your HR Survival Tip For California Employers

Allowing your employees to use their paid sick time for anything other than what the law states is putting you at risk legally. California has required paid sick leave for several years and we have approximately 30 localities with laws that are typically more generous and often pickier than California's law.

The sick leave laws provide a fairly extensive list of reasons why employees may use their available sick leave. However, they are not allowed to use it for other reasons, such as personal time off. The danger you have in allowing all reasons for sick leave is that the available time will be viewed differently legally.

Currently, unused sick leave is not paid out upon separation from the company. Once you allow employees to use the sick leave for other personal reasons, you are automatically converting your sick leave to vacation time. A court decision has stated if you allow sick time to be used like vacation time, it -IS- vacation time and balances must either be used as paid time off or paid out when the employee leaves your company. There is no use it or lose it with vacation time.

Vacation is a true benefit you can choose to offer or not. Once an employee earns vacation time, it must be used or paid out because the state considers earned vacation time the same as cash. If you offer vacation time, the maximum unused balance an employee may have must be at least 150% of their annual amount. So, an employee earning 80 hours per year must be allowed to have an unused balance of at least 120 hours and, if you have no policy limiting the max balance, the time will continue accruing and could become very costly.

None of the sick time laws dictate the paid time off must be called sick time. But the legal details can trip you up because if you call your sick time anything else, you must ensure the policy still meets all the rules of sick time. Review your time off policies and ensure they meet relevant laws.

Article provided by HR Jungle LLC. 

Boys & Girls Clubs of East County Hiring Development Coordinator! 

The Boys & Girls Clubs of East County is looking to hire a part-time Resource Development Coordinator ($22/hr) to help with administrative work, fundraising events and donor engagement. For details, click here.

From Lantern Crest Senior Living: The fun continues! Another great Monthly Marketing Mingle is almost here! RSVP today!

From SDG&E: Save On Energy Costs at the Office 

Looking for ways to save on your SDD&E bill at your office? Here are some helpful business energy-saving tips leaving you with more budget for other expenses or to improve occupant comfort.

1. Raise your thermostat a few degrees. Did you know office building HVAC systems consume up to 40 percent of energy bills? Turn temperatures up during unoccupied hours using smart programmable thermostats. You can also set back temperatures a few degrees without occupants noticing. Running ceiling fans with your A/C allows you to raise the thermostat 4 degrees without any change in comfort.
2. Use daylighting controls. These systems use sensors to adjust lighting levels in response to available daylight and can reduce your lighting energy use up to 80 percent. If you have areas where natural daylight is prevalent, consider installing daylighting controls. If you already have daylighting controls installed, check them to make sure they are properly calibrated and working as expected.
3. Pre-cool in the evening. If your business has a building automation system, consider cooling the building at night with outside air. This lowers the temperature of the building which helps reduce your cooling needs during the day between 5 and 20 percent. It can also result in improved occupant comfort by improving air quality.
4. Clean the condenser coils. When the condenser coils in your air-conditioning equipment become dirty, the ability to effectively transfer heat lessens. Check your condenser coils for natural or artificial debris that has accumulated to make sure they’re working as efficiently as possible. Thoroughly wash the coils twice a year for preventive maintenance.
5. Change the filters. Particularly during warmer months, filters should be changed regularly to make sure the air-conditioner fan isn’t using more energy to push air through clogged filters. If your building is located next to a highway, construction site or other location where the air isn’t as clean, consider changing filters as often as several times a month.
6. Check the economizer. Many air-conditioning systems use a dampered vent, called an economizer, that draws in cool outside air to reduce the need for mechanically cooled air. Regularly check that the linkage that opens and shuts the damper is working properly to prevent large energy waste.
7. Use fans. Fans can help your business maintain a comfortable temperature. Moving air can make higher temperatures and humidity feel more comfortable and reduce the need for air conditioning. When the temperature outside feels more comfortable than inside, use a box fan in the window or a whole facility fan in the attic to pull in the comfortable air.
8. Ward off “vampire” equipment. Monitors and computers are two culprits that continue to draw power even when they are switched off. Prevent “phantom” loads by using a smart power strip to cut power. 
9. Enroll in SDG&E business programs. If you’re a small or medium business and an SDG&E customer, you may qualify for customized business solutions that can help you reduce your energy costs and save money. Find out more at sdge.com/mybusiness.
10. Want to connect with an energy specialist and learn how you can save? Take a quick survey at sdge.com/business/save-energy-and-money. 

September 20 - Groundbreaking for Grossmont Post Acute Care

New Building : 4-6pm at 5601 Grossmont Center Drive | Details/RSVP

September 21 - Annual Evening Mixer at Hooleys Public House : 5:30-7pm at Hooleys Public House | 5500 Grossmont Center Drive #277 in La Mesa | Details/RSVP

FEATURED! September 24 - Shop & Dine La Mesa : 11am-4pm at The Marketplace at Lake Murray Village | Details

September 28 - Ribbon Cutting & Open House for The Pioneer BBQ : 5:30-7pm at 8622 Lake Murray Blvd., San Diego | Details/RSVP

September 29 - Ribbon Cutting & Open House for Acapela Modern Mex : 5:30-7pm at 5575 Baltimore Drive, La Mesa | Details/RSVP

FEATURED! October 5 - Salute to Local Heroes & Installation Dinner : 5:30-8:45pm at Sycuan Casino Resort | 5485 Casino Way, El Cajon | Details

October 13 - Cabrillo Credit Union Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting : 5:30-7pm at 5454 Grossmont Center Drive, La Mesa | Details/RSVP

October 20 - FREE Social Media Class for La Mesa Chamber Members : 5:30-7pm at Marie Callender’s | 6950 Alvarado Rd., San Diego 92120 | Details/RSVP

December 6 - Toy Drive for La Mesa Military Families & Party at BJ's: 5:30-7pm at BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse | 5500 Grossmont Center Dr. in La Mesa |Details/RSVP

December 7 - Grand Prize Drawing for "Show Me the Money" Raffle | Details

NOTE: We recommend those that are feeling ill, or who have been exposed to someone who is ill – please stay home.

Acapela Modern Mex

American Medical Response

Angelo's Towing & Recovery

Barnes & Noble -

Grossmont Center

Benchmark Financial

Cabrillo Credit Union

Charcoal House

Restaurant & Bar

Community Spectrum

EDCO Waste & Recycling Corp.

Focuscom Inc.

Frazier Farms

Kostedt Design & Marketing

Major Security Services

Mattia Law, APLC

McGee Mechanical

Park Station

PenChecks, Inc.

Productivity Plus Office Support

Reitz Heating & Air, Inc.

Sanctuary Cruises

Sensi Media

Studio M.I.F.

The Copier Depot

The East County Californian

Ultimate Catering Concepts

Warren-Walker School La Mesa

Whissel Realty Group

Workout With Kirk