Your Weekly La Mesa Chamber News

In case you missed last week's e-blast: June 4 Eblast See more past email blasts here.

There was not an empty plate in the cabana as members and guests dined on the fabulous food served by Craig Ghio and his staff of Anthony’s Fish Grotto on June 8th. The fried shrimp were HUGE, the sliders were "to die for” and the rest of the food items were too good to pass up! The plates were "filled to the brim" as people left the buffet tables, which reinforced the fact that it was ALL delicious! Senator Brian Jones sent his representative, Marc Schaefer to our mixer to present owner, Craig Ghio with a certificate of appreciation for hosting the mixer, Focuscom, Inc. Hanna Kim was presented a certificate for all of their support on Chamber related activities and the room was full of lively conversation and laughter. The highlight of the evening was the fact that owner, Craig Ghio stayed all night and told the group stories about his trips throughout Europe and his history of owning this epic restaurant in La Mesa. He was charming, engaging and a joy to be at our mixer.

Photos courtesy of Sandra Small/ Photographer.

Welcome Plates, Tags & More to our business community. Owner Eline Wilson prides herself on making the process of providing great DMV services, tags for your vehicle, notary services and more conveniently for you. Plates, Tags & More is located at 7317 El Cajon Blvd., Suite103C in La Mesa. Elaine has early bird hours by appointment, as well as will stay after hours to accommodate your needs. She has a mobile notary service as well. Unfortunately, the processing of new vehicle tags and license plates must be done in her office so that service cannot be mobile. There is no need to stand in line at the DMV when you want to renew your vehicle tags or other related services– call Elaine and she will set a convenient appointment for you - 619 635-1246!

Elaine will be serving refreshments and beverages to make the evening enjoyable. The Chamber will hold raffles and there will be other activities to entertain you.

Be sure to bring your business cards, and come mix and mingle!

Wednesday, June 15, 2022

Time: 5:30 - 7:00 p.m.

Official Ribbon Cutting: 6:00 p.m.

Location: 7317 El Cajon Blvd. #103C, La Mesa

Shawndie Smith is excited to host another Taco Tuesday at her business THOUGHTFUL CREATIONS located at 8270 La Mesa Blvd. #101 on Tuesday, June 21st between the hours of 5:30 and 7 pm. Shawndie is offering raffles and silent auction items in addition to the great menu she will be serving. This evening mixer is free to Chamber members and $5 for guests.

Tuesday, June 21st

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

Location: Thoughtful Creations

8270 La Mesa Blvd. #101, La Mesa

Park behind her business in the Union Bank parking lot

Cost: Free to members - $5 for guests

Join us on Wednesday, June 29th, and welcome Duke’s Old Fashioned Onion Burgers to our business community. This newly renovated building has been transformed into a friendly neighborhood restaurant serving the finest Oklahoma style hamburgers, fresh cut fries and hand-dipped milkshakes. Founder and Owner Frank Schultz prides himself on making dressings, pickles, ketchup, and other items from scratch and serving only fresh items to his customers. 

In addition to ordering your favorite type of hamburger, you can “take a walk on the wild side” by ordering different types of fries to add to your meal. Duke’s Old Fashioned Onion Burgers offers steak and blue cheese fries, taco fries, chili cheese fries, Spanish fries, onions, jalapeno fries and more! Only fresh Angus beef patties are served and are cooked to order. Add a hand-dipped milkshake to your meal and you are set!  Duke’s Old Fashioned Onion Burgers is the perfect place to join friends and grab a bite to eat in a comfortable setting. 

Join us and sample the burgers, fries and see why Duke’s Old Fashioned Onion Burgers are becoming popular within the area. Join us and meet Founder and Owner Frank Schultz as well as his staff and personally welcome them to our business community.

Wednesday, June 29, 2022

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

Ribbon Cutting at 6:00 p.m.

Location: 5020 Baltimore Dr., La Mesa

Cost:

Chamber Members FREE | Guests $10

Entertainment will provided by Chris & Anna of The Ideas Band

RSVP now so we know you will be joining us!

The Chamber’s 13th annual popular “foodie” event is set for Monday, July 18, 2022. This special evening where guests can “eat their hearts out” will happen 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. Visit taste.lamesachamber.com.

Monday, July 18, 2022

Time: 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

VIP: 5-8p.m. | General Admission: 6-8p.m. | Sponsor Tasting: 4:30-8p.m.

Where: Town and Country San Diego

500 Hotel Circle North in Mission Valley

Cost:

VIP: $60 | General Admission: $40

NO TICKETS SOLD AT DOOR.

To become a sponsor or for details/questions, call (619) 465-7700 or email rsvp@lamesachamber.com.

Photos courtesy of Sandra Small/ Photographer, www.CeCePhoto.com and Rippee Photography.

Welcome to Our New Member, Ensign Services!

Currently Under Construction - Coming Soon!

Ensign Services

Skilled Nursing Facility being built on Center Drive (the old 24-Hour Fitness site)

ensigngroup.net

From the Live Well San Diego Business Sector:

Updates for the Business Community 06.08.2022

LGBTQ+ Business Resources and Opportunities

Pride month is observed every year during the month of June to encourage the promotion of the self-affirmation, dignity, equality, and increased visibility of the LGBTQ+ community. Below are just a few resources and opportunities that aim to support LGBTQ+ people in business:

• National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC)
• LGBT Inclusion Hub for Small Businesses 
• Incorporating Inclusion Initiative in the U.S. Chamber of Commerce (Forum Recording)
• Reaching Out

SHIFA360 Job Training Programs

Somali Family Service and SHIFA360 are now enrolling new participants, ages 18 or older, to receive free accelerated online career training for three programs: Community Health Worker, Medical Secretary and Motor Vehicle Operator. For more information, see the flyer and register online.

Protect Outdoor Workers from Heat Illness

On May 23, Cal/OSHA released a reminder that their heat illness prevention standard applies to all outdoor worksites. More details on heat illness prevention requirements and training materials are available on the Cal/OSHA Heat Illness Prevention webpage and online tool. Information in Spanish can be found on the 99 Calor webpage.

Contracting with the County Lunch & Learns

Join RISE San Diego and The Prep Institute for the remaining three sessions of an online six-part series of Lunch & Learn sessions, held every Thursday from May 12 - June 23, focused on contracting with the County of San Diego. All sessions will be from 12:00-1:30PM. 

• June 16 - How to Outline Your Government Proposal
• June 23 - Contracting with the County of San Diego as a Nonprofit 

Register for any or all sessions today!

COVID-19 Vaccine Booster Dose for Children 5 to 11 Years

A booster dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine is now recommended for children 5 to 11 years. They should get a Pfizer booster dose at least 5 months after their second dose. Learn more about COVID-19 boosters, and where how to get a booster dose here: COVID-19 Vaccines San Diego

California Streamlines Access to COVID-19 Testing and Treatment

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and OptumServe are upgrading their Test to Treat sites across the state. Testing and treatment are provided at OptumServe locations for people who qualify, including those without insurance. Sites will offer tele-health medical services and provide antiviral pills (Paxlovid) or prescriptions to eligible patients.

FDA Limits the Use of J&J ​COVID-19 Vaccine

The J&J/Janssen COVID-19 vaccine is now limited to individuals 18 and older for whom other authorized or approved COVID-19 vaccines are not accessible or appropriate, and for those who would not get vaccinated with another vaccine. ​The change was made due to the risk of developing thrombosis 1-2 weeks after getting the vaccine.​

Masks are Still Strongly Recommended

COVID-19 cases are on the rise nationwide. The California Department of Public Health encourages individuals to share their social media messages that strongly encourage masking when in crowded indoor public spaces.

Warning about Counterfeit At-Home COVID-19 Tests

On May 5, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning that counterfeit at-home, over-the-counter (OTC) COVID-19 tests have been distributed or used in the United States. ​These counterfeit tests should not be used or distributed. The FDA will update its website to list counterfeit at-home OTC COVID-19 diagnostic tests to alert the public and to provide information on how to identify counterfeit tests.​

Broadband Survey

San Diego County is working to identify who has access to broadband internet and digital devices and who does not. This will help the County develop a Comprehensive Broadband Plan to assist communities where access is lacking or the service is insufficient. To participate, please complete this survey which will take 15-20 minutes to complete. For questions, contact engage@sdcounty.ca.gov.

County of San Diego Branding Survey

HELP CHOOSE THE NEXT COUNTY LOGO!

The County of San Diego is reaching out to individuals who represent community groups across the region to help inform the development of a new logo.

The County seal (above) has traditionally represented the County as an organization, however, the County is looking to build a new brand that better represents its new energy and vision for the future, with a renewed focus on justice, sustainability, equity, belonging and accessibility.

It is anticipated that this survey will take less than 5 minutes to complete. To review the new logos and provide your feedback, please click here.  

This survey will close on June 17. Take the survey here.

Lake Murray Fireworks and Musicfest

Join us as we raise funds for a July 4th celebration to include a day of food, fun, bands, and fireworks.

After several years on hiatus, the beloved San Diego Lake Murray Music Fest and Fireworks show is coming back on July 4th. The music fest is held at Lake Murray Community Park in San Carlos and the fireworks can be seen throughout the Navajo community, from La Mesa to Del Cerro and beyond.

This event has been sorely missed by our community and the hype of its return is swelling. You won’t want to miss out on being part of the team who brings this event back to our neighborhood!

When: JULY 4, 2022 11a-9p

Location: Lake Murray Community Park, 7001 Murray Park Dr. San Diego 92119

Tentative Schedule:

Music Fest concert in the park: 11:00pm – 9pm

Fireworks show: 9pm

Music Fest attendance: 3,000+ people with rotating crowds

For details visit: www.lakemurrayfireworks.org

The Chamber invites you to a fun-filled evening to meet local businesses and have the opportunity to win FREE door prizes. The evening will be filled with raffles, great samplings of delicious food from local restaurants, vendors and more!

Join us at our chamber member hotel, Courtyard by Marriot San Diego El Cajon in El Cajon. We are excited to be using the 4,500 square-foot ballroom for our vendors and raffles, the foyer for our registration activities and the beautiful courtyard to serve our food and offer beverages to our guests.

Thursday, August 18, 2022

Time: 5:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Where: Courtyard by Marriott San Diego El Cajon

141 N Magnolia Ave, El Cajon, CA 92020

Tickets: $10

All tickets need to be pre-purchased. NO tickets will be sold at the door.

Late-Season Flu Surge

Flu cases are surging in San Diego which is unusual at this time of the year.

Please schedule a Flu Shot soon with us soon if you haven't already received one for the 2021-2022 season. I still have plenty of doses.

Free to all my established patients!

Only $10 if no insurance or if new client.

Dr. Ellyn Levine | Trilogy Health | 5290 Baltimore Dr., La Mesa | www.trilogyhealth.net | (619) 567-6914

City Hosts Second Community Workshop for Residents in Planning for Future Park

Residents are encouraged to participate and provide feedback on La Mesa’s newest park

On Wednesday, June 15, 2022, at 6 p.m., the City of La Mesa invites residents to participate in a workshop for the future 2.8 acre neighborhood park at the northwest corner of Waite Drive and Murray Hill Road. The hybrid workshop will be held in person at Helix Charter High School, Room 1300, and virtually on Zoom.

“This workshop will give residents an opportunity to get involved with the planning for this much-needed park,” said Sue Richardson, the City’s Director of Community Services. “Concept designs created using community input from the March 2022 workshop and amenities survey will be presented and refined.”

About the Workshop:

When:       Wednesday, June, 15, 2022, 6 p.m.

What:       Community Workshop (no registration required)

Where:      In-person at Helix Charter High School, Room 1300, 7323 University Ave., La Mesa, CA 91942 or virtual via Zoom 

An opportunity to tour the future park site will also be offered on Saturday, June 18, 2022 from 10 a.m. to noon. For more information, visit the City’s website, or contact the City of La Mesa News Desk at 619. 667.1191 or email news@cityoflamesa.us.

Timeline of Project Site

In 2000 & 2011, the former County of San Diego facility known as the Lemon Grove Road Station underwent two separate environmental cleanups. In March 2012, the County of San Diego notified the City of La Mesa of the availability of the site, offering the option to purchase. As part of its due diligence, the City of La Mesa hired an outside consultant to conduct an Environmental Site Assessment of the property to confirm there were no remaining hazardous materials. In July 2012, the site was purchased by the City for $650,000, over the course of four (4) years using park impact fees, which are designed to mitigate the impact of new development on municipalities, existing facilities and infrastructure for residential developments.

The 2012 City of La Mesa Parks Master Plan identifies this location as a viable option for a future park to partially address the City’s neighborhood park deficiency. In December 2021, the City received funding through the California State Department of Recreation Local Assistance Specified Grant program to create a master plan for the proposed park. The initial community workshop was held on March 16, 2022 to discuss conditions and future opportunities for the site. It was followed by a survey to gather community member’s priorities on desired amenities and character of the park.  

Order at-home COVID-19 tests at no cost

Every U.S. household can get up to 3 orders of at-home, rapid COVID-19 tests at no cost!

Visit COVID.gov/tests to place your order. You'll need to enter your name and mailing address. (You can also give your email address if you want status updates on your order.)

Each new order includes 8 free COVID-19 tests shipped to your home at no cost — 2 separate packages of 4 tests each.

At-home tests, or "self tests," give rapid results and can be taken anywhere, regardless of your vaccination status or whether or not you have symptoms. Visit CDC.gov to learn when to test yourself, how to use an at-home test, and what your test results mean.

Did you know that, according to energystar.gov, the top energy consumers in a typical office are lighting, cooling and computers? Here are some ideas to help you save on your business’s energy use.  

Save on cooling: Cooling (and heating) makes up about 40% of the energy used in commercial buildings. To keep your HVAC system running efficiently, regularly change or clean HVAC filters every month during peak cooling or heating seasons. Dirty filters cost more to use, overwork the equipment and result in lower indoor air quality. Make sure that areas in front of vents are clear of furniture and paper. As much as 25 percent more energy is required to distribute air if your vents are blocked. 

Save on lighting: Use motion detectors to control lighting in frequently unoccupied areas and photocells to turn lights off automatically when enough daylight is detected. Install energy-efficient LEDs and task lighting to illuminate workspaces. Maximize daylight ― sunlight is free! Remove unnecessary lamps in overlit areas. 

Save on equipment costs: Turn off office equipment, including monitors and printers, along with lights. Activate sleep settings on your office equipment. Consolidate the number of printers in your office. Use “smart” power strips to reduce the amount of energy used by electronic equipment. 

Visit sdge.com/My-Business for more energy-saving tips and information on business pricing plans. 

June 15 - Plates, Tags & More Ribbon Cutting : 5:30-7pm at 7317 El Cajon Blvd. #103C, La Mesa | Details/RSVP

June 21 - "Taco Tuesday" Mixer : 5:30-7pm at Thoughtful Creations | 8270 La Mesa Blvd. #101 in La Mesa | Details/RSVP

June 29 - Duke's Old Fashioned Onion Burgers Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting : 5:30-7pm at 5020 Baltimore Drive, La Mesa | Details/RSVP

FEATURED! July 18 - "Taste of San Diego - East" : 5-8pm at Town and Country San Diego | 500 Hotel Circle North in Mission Valley | Details/Buy Tickets

FEATURED! August 18 - "Summer Bash" Business Expo : 5-7:30pm at Courtyard by Marriott San Diego El Cajon | 141 N Magnolia Ave, El Cajon | Details/Buy Tickets

September 15 - Joint Mixer with La Mesa and Santee Chambers : 5-7pm at Lantern Crest Senior Living | 300 Lantern Crest Way, Santee, CA 92071 | 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! October 19 - Salute to Local Heroes & Installation Dinner : 5:30-8:45pm at Sycuan Casino Resort | 5485 Casino Way, El Cajon | Details

December 7 - 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

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