Your Weekly La Mesa Chamber News

In case you missed last week's e-blast: October 7 Eblast See more past email blasts here.

14th Annual Salute to Local Heroes Was a Night of Celebration!

The fourteenth annual Salute to Local Heroes held on October 5, 2022, at the popular Sycuan Casino Resort was a night of celebration. This unique evening celebrates the strength of our community and honors eight local heroes that are dedicated to the citizens of our community. These heroes are from law enforcement, the fire district, the paramedic field, and the retired senior volunteer patrol. The ballroom was artfully decorated by Joannie Ham and her team from her local business, La Mesa Floral Design Shoppe. 

This year’s heroes to be honored are American Medical Response - Paramedic Ruth Jewel Hamilton Wilson, EMT Dylan Lieto and EMT Brenda Winkle, Heartland Fire & Rescue – Fire Captain Dave Hardenburger, Fire Engineer Steve Harris and Firefighter Seth Perrins, La Mesa Police Department – Detective Justin Bourque and La Mesa Police Department Retired Senior Volunteer Patrol – Mike Boatright.

The Chamber is grateful to the sponsors who make this evening possible. We thank our Title Sponsor - Sycuan Casino Resort and Presenting Sponsors – EDCO and AMR. They are joined by Broadway Sponsors – Focuscom Inc. and McGee Mechanical, Hollywood Sponsor – Cox Communications and The Kitzman Family, Entertainer Sponsors - AT&T, Amanda Hammett Insurance & Financial Services – State Farm, Carl Burger Dodge Chrysler Jeep RAM World, Gold Sponsors – A.I.C., Inc., California Coast Credit Union, Fully Promoted EmbroidMe La Mesa, Kappa Surveying & Engineering, Marque Urgent Care, Westmont of La Mesa, Artistic Designer - La Mesa Floral Design Shoppe, Awards Partner - Edible Arrangements - La Mesa, Printing Sponsor - AAA Imaging and Graphic Design Sponsor -Kostedt Design & Marketing.

The evening was captured by Directors of Photography Sandra Small/ Photographer and Photographer, Yvette Zehnr of Eviezphotography.com, with live social media coverage facilitated by social media Partner, Focuscom Inc. 

Photos Courtesy of Sandra Small/ Photographer and Eviezphotography.com.

 “Shop & Dine La Mesa” On September 24th -

A Great Community Celebration

On Saturday, September 24th the La Mesa Chamber of Commerce produced a free family event at the Marketplace at Lake Murray Village Shopping Center, at the corner of Lake Murray Blvd. and Baltimore Drive (5550-5680 Lake Murray Blvd.) This event was created by the La Mesa Chamber of Commerce to promote businesses in various geographic areas of La Mesa. This project was done in partnership with the County of San Diego through a Small Business Stimulus Grant Program. 

The heat did not deter everyone from stopping by to visit us and participate. The day was filled with activities that were created to please the public, while bringing attention to this shopping center and the surrounding businesses. This Saturday had lots of activities: a great classic car show in partnership with the Monday Night Car Club, sound was produced by All Pro Live Sound & DJ, blood donations were collected in partnership with the American Red Cross mobile blood mobile. 25 units of blood were collected which in turn impacts the lives of 75 hospital patients. This blood drive allowed for the whole blood to be separated out to red blood cells, platelets, and plasma allowing each of those products to go to a different patient in need. The County of San Diego brought out the Live Well San Diego mobile van to share information on County services available and for an added treat the San Diego Humane Society joined the festivities with canine ambassadors that were adorable, while sharing information on their services.  

To entertain guests of all ages, Boffo Entertainment Inc. was on hand to do face painting, balloon art and a spinner game that awarded stuffed animals to winners. These activities were done while guests shopped and visited the merchants in the center and surrounding area. The Chamber offered a “shopping card” to guests that could be entered into a free drawing for prizes for visiting participating businesses. A great day was had by all!

Photos Courtesy of Sandra Small/ Photographer.

The La Mesa Chamber Invites You to Welcome “Jefferson La Mesa” - La Mesa’s Newest Contemporary Apartments on Wednesday, October 19th

The La Mesa Chamber of Commerce invites you to join us as we celebrate Jefferson La Mesa, a new apartment complex that has been built at 4949 Baltimore Drive in La Mesa. This 230-unit luxury apartment community offers studios, live work units/lofts, 1-, 2- and 3-bedroom units with nineteen distinctive floorplans. Some of the amenities are: a dual-level fitness center, BBQ grilling stations, state-of-the-art yoga studio, sparkling swimming pool with poolside cabanas with TV’s, a lively clubhouse and more.

To celebrate this new apartment community, we are offering a fun-filled grand opening event on Wednesday, October 19th between the hours of 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. (with the official ribbon cutting taking place at 6:00 p.m.). Join us as we visit this new addition to quality housing opportunities in La Mesa. Take tours of the models, meet the entire management team, and enjoy samplings of bites and delicious beverages, as you mix and mingle during this fun-filled evening with raffles and prizes. 

Wednesday, October 19, 2022

Time: 5:30 - 7:00 p.m.

Location: 4949 Baltimore Dr., La Mesa

Cost: Chamber Members Free | Guests: $20

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

RESCHEDULED - WILL SET NEW DATE SOON!

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.

RESCHEDULED - WILL SET NEW DATE SOON!

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.

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!”

From Teague Insurance: California Passes Bill to Extend COVID-19 Sick Pay, Provide Small-Business Relief

California could soon extend its COVID-19 supplemental paid sick leave (SPSL) through the end of 2022 and provide relief to small businesses incurring the costs of such leave if Gov. Gavin Newsom signs a bill sent to his desk on Aug. 31. 

Assembly Bill 152 would extend California's COVID-19 SPSL to Dec. 31. The current California SPSL law, passed in February 2022, is set to expire on Sept. 30.

The current law, which created California Labor Code Section 248.6, provides 40 hours of COVID-19 SPSL for full-time employees who have symptoms of COVID-19, are caring for a family member with COVID-19, or have side effects from a COVID-19 vaccine. Employees who are not employed full-time, but are scheduled to work regularly, are entitled to the number of hours that they regularly work in one week. Full-time employees may further receive an additional 40 hours of SPSL if they test positive for COVID-19 and cannot work remotely.

Section 248.6 currently allows an employer to require that an employee who has received additional SPSL to submit to a second diagnostic test on or after the fifth day after the positive test that allowed the leave. However, AB 152 would amend the law to allow an employer, in cases where the second test is positive, to require a third test within 24 hours. Employers would further be allowed to deny additional COVID-19 SPSL to an employee who refuses to submit to the tests.

The bill would require the employer to provide the additional tests at no cost to the employee. Additionally, employers are not required to provide new or additional SPSL to employees who have already used their 2022 COVID-19 sick pay allotment.

Small-Business Relief

AB 152 would establish the California Small Business and Nonprofit COVID-19 Relief Grant Program within the Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz). The program would provide grants of up to $50,000, but "no more than the actual costs incurred for" SPSL between Jan. 1, 2022 and Dec. 31, 2022, to qualified small businesses and nonprofit organizations.

The grants would be available to businesses in the state that have provided COVID-19 SPSL and meet these criteria:

• Incorporated as a "C" corporation, "S" corporation, cooperative, limited liability company, partnerships, or limited partnership or registered as a 501(c)(3), 501(c)(6), or 501(c)(19).
• Began operation before June 1, 2021.
• Are currently in operation.
• Have 26 to 49 employees.

The bill would also impose ownership restrictions and other exceptions to qualify for the grant relief program. Gov. Gavin Newsom has until Sept. 30 to sign or veto the bill.

Key Takeaways

The extension of California's COVID-19 SPSL, if approved, would continue employers' SPSL obligations through the end of 2022. The leave extension comes as similar paid leave requirements in most other states have expired.

However, the bill would provide support for small businesses incurring the costs of COVID-19 SPLS through the California Small Business and Nonprofit COVID-19 Relief Grant Program. Further, employers would not be obligated to provide additional COVID-19 SPSL to employees who have already used their allotment for 2022, or if an employee refuses to submit to additional tests. Employers may want to evaluate whether they are covered by the SPSL obligations and whether they qualify for the small-business grant relief.

California Passes Bill to Extend COVID-19 Sick Pay, Provide Small-Business Relief

Christopher W. Olmsted is an attorney with Ogletree Deakins in San Diego, and Zachary V. Zagger is an attorney with Ogletree Deakins in New York City. © 2022. All rights reserved. Reprinted with permission. 

From the City of La Mesa: October 7, 2022 City Manager Update

New Pickleball Courts at La Mesita Park

To help satisfy the continually growing demand for pickleball, the City has renovated La Mesita Park tennis court #4 into a shared tennis and pickleball court, creating four additional pickleball courts at designated times. La Mesita Park is located at 8855 Dallas Street.

To accommodate the loss of tennis court time, two tennis courts at Grossmont High School (1100 Murray Dr. off Dennstedt Place) are now available for public use during non-school use hours, excluding holidays.

Coming October 2022, newly renovated courts at Highwood Park will offer two dedicated pickleball courts, two shared pickleball/tennis courts, and two basketball courts.

To see designated hours for tennis and pickleball courts visit: cityoflamesa.us/1704/Courts.

La Mesa Community Garden at MacArthur Park - Garden Beds Available

In 2019, the community came together to design, raise funds, build and open the La Mesa Community Garden at MacArthur Park. The goal of the garden is to improve residents’ quality of life by nurturing physical, mental, and social wellbeing through growing and sharing healthy food. That goal has been reached as the community enjoys the garden, its harvests, garden gatherings, educational workshops and socials since opening in May of 2021. The garden has 44 beds, with vacancies occurring throughout the year. If you are interested in leasing a garden bed, visit www.lamesaparks.org for more information and a calendar of upcoming garden activities or email friends@lamesaparks.org to request an application.

Downtown District Sign Update

The Downtown District Sign is a community project led by the La Mesa Village Association in partnership with the La Mesa Park & Recreation Foundation (fiscal sponsor) to build a new focal point in downtown La Mesa. The Downtown District Sign will be located in the heart of the Village at La Mesa Blvd. and Palm Ave. and will consist of two columns of brass plaques and a total of 1,512 hand-painted 4"x4” ceramic tiles. Through the Leave a Legacy Tile and Plaque Fundraiser, businesses and residents have a unique opportunity to be part of this historic project by making a donation for a plaque or tile(s) that they can paint. Sign up today for your plaque or tile.

For everyone who already pledged a plaque or tile, original invoices were emailed out in late June, second notices were sent on September 6, and third and final notices were sent out on September 26th with payment due by October 21, 2022. If payment is not made by this date, tiles will be relinquished and offered to the public on November 1st. To request an invoice to be resent, please email friends@lamesaparks.org or call Misty Thompson at 619.667.1319. Payments can be made by check to the La Mesa Park & Recreation Foundation or by credit card at www.lamesaparks.org. 

The project is currently at 73% funding received to date. When all funds are received, the project will begin. Participants will be notified once the tile painting parties are planned. Tiles and paint will be provided. 

Construction is tentatively planned to begin in fall 2023, depending on funding. Updates will be posted on the La Mesa Village Association website. 

Job Opportunity with the County of San Diego

The County is looking for a Group Program Manager - If you or someone is interested - please click here to see the brochure.

The County’s Land Use and Environment Group is leading a collaborative effort to move our region to zero carbon emissions. It’s called the Regional Decarbonization Framework and it’s a science-based project that will help guide local and regional agencies, Tribal nations, businesses, industry, labor unions, environmental advocates, and community members across the region toward their zero-carbon efforts. We are looking for an engaged, dynamic leader with strong project management skills to fill our Group Program Manager– Regional Decarbonization positions.

From Supervisor Joel Anderson: Anderson Alert: Wildfire Safety Resources

Stay Alert

• Register for Alert San Diego to receive telephone updates
• Download the SD Emergency App for emergency updates, interactive maps & checklists
• Follow @ReadySanDiego on Twitter
• Follow @CALFIRESanDiego on Twitter

Ready, Set, Go! - Your Personal Wildland Fire Action Guide

This guide put together by CAL FIRE and the County Office of Emergency Services is a great place to start learning about how to protect your home and prepare for evacuation. It also contains checklists to keep you organized.

Fire Safe Council of San Diego County

Available resources and workshops at the Fire Safe Council of San Diego County include no-cost chipping, the defensible space assistance program, and community wildfire protection plans.

Be Prepared for Public Safety Power Shutoffs

If dangerous high fire risk conditions are present, SDG&E may shut off power as a last resort to keep your community safe. Learn how to prepare for potential power outages through SDG&E’s preparedness guide.

Create Your Own Emergency Supply Kit

Everyone should have an emergency supply kit readily available, especially in case of a wildfire. Check out ReadySanDiego’s tips on creating your own kit.

Preparedness Plans for People Who May Need Assistance and their Caregivers

Refer to this plan specially created for older adults, people with disabilities, and their caregivers -- provided by the County Office of Emergency Services.

Are Your Pets Prepared for an Emergency?

 This informative video and article give you recommendations from the County Office of Emergency Services and Department of Animal Services on how to prepare your pets for an emergency, including a wildfire.

Disaster Preparedness for Livestock

East County is also home to numerous ranches and farms. Keep yourself and your animals safe by following these tips provided by the County Department of Animal Services.

California Statewide Fire Map

This map managed by CAL FIRE provides the general locations of major active fires burning in California.

From the City of La Mesa: Collier Park Renovation Project to Break Ground

Ceremony Scheduled for October 25

The long-awaited groundbreaking for the Collier Park renovation project has been scheduled for October 25, 2022, at 10:30 AM, in the park at 4401 Palm Ave.

The renovation, which will take approximately one-year to construct, will include new restrooms, tennis/pickleball courts, a playground, fitness equipment, a nature trail, picnic pavilion, landscaping, improved ADA access, and parking.

At a cost of approximately $4.5 million, the project is being completed with funding that has been allocated from park development fees, Federal Community Development Block Grants (CDBG), the La Mesa Park and Recreation Foundation, CA Department of Parks and Recreation Local Assistance Specified Grant funds, and CA Proposition 68 Land and Water Bond funds.

“The redevelopment of Collier Park is an investment in the City’s future,” said La Mesa Mayor Mark Arapostathis. “This neighborhood park will provide a variety of amenities for gathering, physical activity, and nature exploration.”

A replica of a historic 1915 drinking fountain will also be installed in its original location next to the La Mesa Depot Railroad Museum on Spring Street as part of the project. The Spring House will be protected in place until future funding is available for its rehabilitation.

In anticipation of the new amenities, the playground was removed and restrooms were closed due to inoperability. Courts will remain open until construction begins, which is anticipated to be the first week of November. To view images of the planned improvements and for updates on construction status visit the project website.

About the Groundbreaking Ceremony:

When: Tuesday, October 25, 2022 | 10:30 a.m.

What: Collier Park Renovation Project

Where: 4401 Palm Ave., La Mesa, CA 91942

About Collier Park: The Collier Park Renovation project is the next phase of improvements to La Mesa’s oldest park, which dates back 1915. The Collier Park Renovations Project Master Plan (2014) provided recommendations for specific improvements to developed areas of the park, as well as concepts for future improvements to undeveloped and underdeveloped portions of the 7.7 acre property. The primary goal of the Master Plan was to provide enhanced recreational amenities and opportunities to encourage more active use of the park by residents of the surrounding neighborhood. Until the 2017 renovation of the "panhandle" entrance at Palm and Pasadena Avenues, the park had not had any upgrade since the 1990's, other than resurfacing the 1950's court to add pickleball lines in 2014.

From Assemblymember Dr. Akilah Weber: District 79 Annual Turkey Giveaway and Health Fair

I would like to invite you to my annual Turkey Giveaway and Health Fair in partnership with the San Diego Food Bank and the Jackie Robinson Family YMCA. We will be giving out one turkey per household; a member from each household must be present to receive the turkey. In addition to turkeys, the San Diego Food Bank will be providing pantry food items and produce. Please consider bringing a cart to carry all the items as they will be heavy! 

Saturday, November 12

10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Jackie Robinson Family YMCA

151 YMCA Way, San Diego, CA 92102

Registration will close on Thursday, November 10 at 12 p.m. This event will be open on a first come, first serve basis while supplies last. If you have any questions, please visit my website or call my district office at (619) 465-7903.

La Mesa Park Appreciation Day 2022

Park Appreciation Day is Saturday, November 5, 2022!

8:00 AM - 12:00 PM

This annual event is when volunteers from the community help spruce up their favorite park. Projects are available for individuals or groups of all sizes. City staff will be onsite at each park to assist and guide volunteers. Please remember to wear work-appropriate clothing and close-toed shoes. Participants are also encouraged to bring gloves and small gardening tools. Sign up today to beautify your favorite park!

For more information visit City of La Mesa Special Events, call 619.667.1300, or email friends@lamesaparks.org

From Lantern Crest Senior Living: It's BACK! Lantern Crest's Annual Classic Car Show! You don't want to miss this!

From Grossmont Center: Trick-or-Treat at Grossmont Center

From San Pasqual Winery: Live Music Saturday Night & Charcuterie All Weekend!

The Barrel Room Sessions Presents...

La Mesa Blvd. Tasting Room 

Saturday, October 15th, 7 - 9 PM

Join us in The Barrel Room to hear The Lemon Squeezers play Classic Rock with a Twist! No Cover! Only a 1 wine drink minimum!!

Charcuterie by Alexa's Artisan Delights!

Charcuterie available all weekend! Enjoy with your favorite flight, glass of wine, or while enjoying music in our Barrel Room! 

www.sanpasqualwinery.com

From California Bank & Trust: Get up to $2,500 when you open a new Business Checking

From SDG&E: Preparing for Outages 

Weather often has the biggest impact on the power grid. Rainstorms, windy conditions and heat waves can sometimes result in power outages, so preparing for these weather conditions is important. Because power outages can happen with little to no warning during inclement weather, we’ve put together some helpful tips on how to prepare at sdge.com/Outage-Center. 

Check out these ten tips to help keep your business running and employees and customers safe during inclement weather. 

1. Ensure your contact information is up to date for yourself and your business at sdge.com/MyAccount. Also, sign up for power outage notifications via text or email under “Account” then “Notifications Settings.” 
2. Create an emergency action plan. There’s no better time to prepare for an emergency than now. Visit sdge.com/emergency to learn more about emergency preparedness ideas for your home and business. 
3. Prepare your facility or office for severe weather by inspecting the building for drafts, leaks and cracks. Also, regularly check emergency lighting, such as exit signs. 
4. Create digital copies of important documents like your employee roster and emergency phone numbers. This allows your team to easily reach one another. 
5. Identify backup charging methods such as portable battery packs for mobile phones and other digital devices. Consider investing in a backup electric generator to keep your business open during power shutoffs. Learn more at sdge.com/generator. 
6. uild or restock an emergency kit to last at least three days and include flashlights, batteries, a first aid kit, food, water and cash. Recommend your employees create emergency kits to stay safe at home, too. Build your kit with these tips on sdge.com/emergency. 
7. If your power is out, view outage details and estimated restoration times at sdge.com/Outage-Map. 
8. It’s critical that you stay away from downed power lines and treat them as if they are energized. Visit sdge.com/safety/Keeping-Safe-Stormy-Weather for tips on how to stay safe during a storm. 
9. Keep a mobile phone or land line phone at hand. Cordless phones don’t work without electricity. 

October 19 - Jefferson La Mesa Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting : 5:30-7pm at 4949 Baltimore Dr., La Mesa | Details/RSVP

RESCHEDULED - WILL SET NEW DATE SOON! 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