Your Weekly La Mesa Chamber News |
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The Holidays Just Got a Little Brighter!
La Mesa Chamber Members Give the Phrase “There’s No Place Like Home for the Holidays” New Meaning by Collecting Toys for La Mesa Military Families December 7th
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As guests entered BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse on December 7th, for the annual Military Toy Drive party, they were pleasantly surprised. When looking at the display tables filled with all the toys purchased or donated to this toy drive, they were delighted by the overwhelming number of toys. The tables were filled with dolls, trucks, stuffed animals, cars, basketballs, footballs, soccer balls, tea sets, miscellaneous games, bike helmets, robots, Lego sets, and everything in between. La Mesa Chamber members, friends and sponsors came together to celebrate the strength and commitment of our community, in suppport of our families living in La Mesa military housing. The Chamber has a strong belief that being a leader within a community includes giving back and making a difference. |
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This is the 7th year that we have assisted these children and their families. We are honored to partner with the following sponsors who helped make this happen: Presenting Sponsor, EDCO, joined by Supporting Sponsors, AMR, Kirk Paving, Inc., and Amanda Hammett Insurance & Financial Services – State Farm. A grand total of over 950 toys, books and other items were purchased and collected to make the holidays a little brighter for these families. This project is done in partnership with Liberty Military Housing, the group that manages military housing throughout the nation. They host holiday events within our region for over 2,000 military children. Representatives from Liberty Military Housing, Cindy Farless and Dan Murphy were on hand to mix and mingle and give guests insight on their organization and particularly our local military families.
Supervisor Joel Anderson sent his representative, Alicia Corona who was assisted by Marc Schaefer, to present the sponsors with certificates of recognition and surprise the volunteer team, with certificates of appreciation, as well.
The Chamber is grateful for Matthew Eastman’s team, who did a wonderful job of keeping the platters filled with piping hot pizzas, pasta dishes and chilled salads and providing excellent service throughout the night. Our special thanks to the dedicated volunteers who assisted, the attendees who donated toys, the sponsors and to the many wonderful community members who dropped off toys and supported this special holiday project!
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Thank You to Our Sponsors
Presenting Sponsor:
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From The East County Californian:
'Tis the Season and we're GIVING on our rates!
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As the holidays are upon us, we are getting into the spirit of the season at The East County Californian!
We’re offering our best rates of the year to help you with any end of year messaging you want to get into the community. Whether it’s a branding message, special holiday promotion or offer now is the time to take advantage of these deeply discounted rates. If you are looking to broaden your marketing reach and increase your business for the holidays this is an excellent opportunity!
The East County Californian
(619) 441-0400
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Gift Giving Made Easy at San Pasqual Winery! |
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Gift Certificates, Specialty Wine Gifts, Hot Spiced Wine & Bubbly Gift Sets!! We have the perfect gift for all the Wine Lovers in your life!
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Bubbly Gift Sets Decorated & Ready to Go!
2 Bottle Set: Brut and Brut Rosé. 3 Bottle Set: Brut, Brut Rosé & Dry Moscato
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Gift Items Available at La Mesa and Seaport Village! |
E-Gift Certificates Available Online!
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Hot Spiced Wine Kits Available at All Locations!!
Our delicious hot spiced wine is a fan favorite that's perfect for the holidays. It also makes a great gift!
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From Trilogy Health: Tis the Season to Treat Yourself! |
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As a special way to end the year, we are bringing back 12 of our BEST deals from 2021. Purchase them before the end of the year and use it anytime in 2022!
We would also like to wish you and your loved ones a very Merry (and Healthy) holiday season!
Dr. Ellyn Levine, Monica, Alyssa and Laila
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From Assemblymember Dr. Akilah Weber: Winter Literacy Book Giveaway! |
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During the winter break from school, I believe it is important for our youth to continue to engage in academically stimulating activities. That is why this year, my office will be hosting our first Winter Literacy Book Giveaway event on December 20, 2021!
From now through December 10th, our office will be collecting new or gently used book donations for youth aged pre-kindergarten through high school in preparation of this event.
If you would like to donate books for our local youth, you may drop off these donations at one of the following drop-off sites:
Malcolm X/Valencia Park Library: 5148 Market St. San Diego, CA 92114
George Stevens Center: 570 South 65th Street, San Diego, CA 92114
Linda Vista Library: 2160 Ulric Street, San Diego, CA 92111
Mission Valley YMCA: 5505 Friars Rd, San Diego, CA 92110
Allied Gardens/Benjamin Library: 5155 Greenbrier Ave., San Diego, CA 92120
Oak Park Library: 2802 54th St, San Diego, CA 92105
John A Davis Family YMCA: 4701 Mesa Drive La Mesa, CA 91942
Lemon Grove Library: 3001 School Ln. Lemon Grove, CA 91945
Salt Creek Recreational Center: 2710 Otay Lakes Rd, Chula Vista, CA 91915
Don't forget to SAVE THE DATE to join us for our official event on December 20th from 1pm - 3pm at the Encanto Boys and Girls Club!
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County Updates for the Business Community for 12.07.2021 |
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COVID-19 Omicron Variant
As we learn more about the Omicron variant, San Diego County health officials are urging people to continue following existing guidance. To protect yourself from the Omicron variant, you can get vaccinated and get a booster if you qualify, wear a well-fitting mask, get tested if you have COVID-19 symptoms, wash your hands frequently, and practice physical distancing. |
International Travel
Starting December 6, all air passengers, regardless of vaccination status, must show a negative COVID-19 test taken no more than 1 day before travel to the United States. For more information about travel, visit the CDC International Travel website. |
Shop Small This Holiday Season
- Shop Small in-store or online
- Buy gift cards or gift certificates from the business
- Tell your friends and family about your positive experience with the business
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SBDC Year End Workshop
Join the San Diego and Imperial Valley Small Business Development Center (SBDC) for the Year End Workshop: Going Into 2022 Strong on December 15th! The free webinar will cover the following topics: accounting/budget, COVID-19 general support, internet/web training, and tax planning. Click here to register and learn more. |
Donate blood between November 26th and December 12th at any mobile drive or donation location throughout San Diego County and get a free Comic-Con Special Edition t-shirt and pins. Call (619) 400-8251 or visit sandiegobloodbank.org to find a location and schedule an appointment. |
December 2021 Program Guide
Visit sdparks.org to download the December 2021 Program Guide! Within the program you will find a list of winter fun events and activities, along with classes and programs throughout San Diego County. Learn more here. -
Coming Up! Elves Workshop on December 18th at the Lakeside Community Center
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From SDG&E: Keep Holiday Light Decorating Safe, Energy-Efficient, Festive and Fun |
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Businesses enjoy lighting up their stores for the holidays to add a festive spirit but they don’t enjoy the increase in their electricity bill after all the holiday cheer and lights are gone.
Here are some ways to be energy-efficient this holiday season:
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Make smart lighting choices. LED holiday lights are the way to go! They use up to 80% less energy and are brighter and safer since they are much cooler than incandescent lights. They’re easier to install—up to 24 strings of LEDs can be connected end-to-end without overloading a wall socket. They last 10x longer and have no filaments or glass to break.
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Limit energy use. Set timers for lights to automatically turn on when it gets dark and off in the middle of the night. You can save more by keeping light displays on only 8 hours of the evening.
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Get reflective. Shiny ornaments, tinsel and mirrors can multiply the effects of your lighting without using more energy. Reflective ornaments and tinsel are just as bright at night, so getting creative with your lighting display can multiply your resources for shine. Don't forget the ribbons, wreaths, garland, and reflective menorahs for electricity- free, age-old traditions that bring holiday cheer.
Be sure to stay safe over the holidays. Here are some great tips to keep you, your customers and patrons safe.
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Limit the connection of light strands. Avoid overloading extension cords and wall sockets by following the manufacturer’s limits for the number of light strings that can be safely connected.
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Hang lighting safely. Make sure that no cords will be pinched by furniture or placed under rugs, furniture or other appliances. If covered, cords can overheat or become frayed, increasing the risk of fire. Replace faulty lights instead of trying to repair them.
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Avoid electric hazards outdoors. Before climbing ladders to string outdoor lights, check for overhead power lines on your roof or attached to your storefront. Always keep at least 10 feet away from overhead lines. Never place yourself or any object, such as a string of lights, in a position that risks contact with a power line—the result can be fatal.
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Use GFCI outlets. Outdoor electric lights and decorations should be plugged into circuits protected by ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs). How do you know if it’s a GFCI? Look for the “test” and “reset” buttons. If circuits are not GFCI-protected, portable outdoor GFCIs can be purchased.
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Check your environment outdoors. Before stringing lights on outdoor trees, make sure tree limbs haven’t grown into or near power lines. Branches, entire trees and even the ground adjacent to a tree can become energized when trees contact power lines.
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Put your tree in a safe location. Keep your holiday tree away from heat sources such as heat vents. The heat will dry out the tree, making it more susceptible to fires caused by heat, flame or sparks.
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Check the condition of lights. Inspect light strands for cracked or broken plugs, frayed insulation or bare wires. Worn cords can cause fires, so discard damaged sets of lights.
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Read the labels. Be sure to check each product label to see whether the lights are intended for indoor or outdoor use. Make sure lights have a tag indicating they have been evaluated by a recognized testing laboratory.
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Don't Forget to Apply for the Small Business Stimulus Grant |
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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.
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.
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March 23, 2022 - "Spring Fling" Business Expo : 5-8pm at Courtyard by Marriott San Diego El Cajon | 141 N Magnolia Ave, El Cajon | Details
July 18, 2022 - "Taste of San Diego - East" : 5-8pm at Town and Country San Diego | 500 Hotel Circle North in Mission Valley | Details
August 18, 2022 - "Summer Bash" Business Expo : 5-8pm at Courtyard by Marriott San Diego El Cajon | 141 N Magnolia Ave, El Cajon | Details
NOTE: We recommend those that are feeling ill, or who have been exposed to someone who is ill – please stay home.
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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
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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Diamond Member:
Cush Plaza La Mesa
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Cush Plaza La Mesa
Commercial Real Estate
5565 Grossmont Center Dr.
La Mesa, CA 91942
858-549-2874
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A.L. Sound
American Medical Response
Barnes & Noble -
Grossmont Center
Benchmark Financial
Community Spectrum
EDCO Waste & Recycling Corp.
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Frazier Farms
Kostedt Design & Marketing
Magnaglobe Enterprises
Major Security Services
McGee Mechanical
Park Station
PenChecks, Inc.
Productivity Plus Office Support
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Sanctuary Cruises
Sensi Media
Studio M.I.F.
The East County Californian
Ultimate Catering Concepts
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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 ∙ P.O. Box 94 ∙ La Mesa, California 91944
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Copyright © 2021 All Rights Reserved. |
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