La Mesa Chamber News | November 1, 2022

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Your Weekly La Mesa Chamber News

In case you missed last week's e-blast: October 21 Eblast See more past email blasts here.

Brand New Business Comes to La Mesa with a Party & Ribbon Cutting – Acapela Modern Mex Has Arrived!

On Thursday, September 29th folks came together to welcome Acapela Modern Mex to our business community. The owner, Cesar De Santiago took an empty location and gave it an ”overhaul” and transformed it into a great grab and go or a sit down and eat Mexican food establishment. Acapela Modern Mex has raised the bar for great Mexican food. Guests were treated to an overabundance of samples from their menu. People were treated to burritos, lots of rolled tacos, quesadillas, and every type of Mexican food you can think of during this welcome party. The owner Cesar De Santiago and his Wife, Jessica were on hand with their family and friends to show us a good time. In addition to Cesar, we met Ely Castadena and his Wife Nancy and their family who are also involved in this business to make the evening complete. A DJ was outside to make sure that the shopping center knew that a brand-new restaurant had arrived, along with the largest balloon arch that has been seen in a while.

Miss La Mesa Teen, Samantha Luevano was able to join in the celebration, while the owners were presented with certificates of appreciation from Assemblymember Akilah Weber, La Mesa Mayor Mark Arapostahis and the La Mesa Chamber of Commerce.


Acapela Modern Mex is located at 5575 Baltimore Drive and boasts the best authentic Mexican food your mouth has ever tasted. Their motto is to have every customer enjoy their experience from customer service to food and to make you and your stomach happy!

Photos courtesy of Sandra Small/ Photographer.

View Album

Welcome to Our New Chamber Member!

Congusto Services- Residential and Commercial Cleaning


Zulma Jacquez has been in the facility and maintenance industry for the past twelve years. Three years ago she decided to start her own company, Congusto Services. Zulma has (6) employees that are ready, willing and able to serve property managers and leave locations clean and sanitized so property managers can focus on their jobs and not worry about vacant locations. Zulma prides herself on helping property managers by cleaning vacant locations and having them sanitized and “move in” ready. Congusto Services also provide commercial cleaning, and clean offices and retail stores. Zulma and her team live in east county and her team wants to service folks in east county. The team is committed to excellent customer service. Those who book on line receive a discount on her services.

(619) 832-3914 | www.congustocleaning.com | Instagram: @CongustoServices

Business Updates

Inflation Adjustments Mean Reduced Tax Rates Next Year


The rapidly rising cost of food, energy and other daily staples could allow many Americans

to reduce their tax bills next year, the IRS announced on October 18th. After a year that brought America’s fastest price growth in four decades. The shift in rates is far more notable: an increase of about 7 percent. 


Other parts of the tax code will also be affected by the inflation adjustment. Those include the standard deduction Americans claim on their tax returns. In dollar figures, the shift will be largest at the highest end of the income spectrum, although all seven income brackets will adjust for inflation. The top income tax rate of 37 percent will apply next year to individuals earning $578,125-or $693,750 for married couples who file joint returns. Middle-class workers and lower income will also see benefits. Further boosting filers, the standard deduction will rise to $27,700 for couples, an increase of $1,800 from this year. For individuals it will be a $900 increase, to $13,850.


Beyond tax rates, a variety of other provisions in the code were affected by the inflation adjustments – with benefits up and down the income spectrum. One of the government’s primary anti-poverty efforts, the earned income tax credit for low-income workers, will be worth as much as $7,430 (for qualifying taxpayers with three or more children), up from $6,935 this year. The IRS move is just the latest government response to rapid inflation. Last week, the Social Security Administration announced an 8.7 percent increase in benefits for 2023, the largest raise since 1981. That cost-of-living adjustment was accompanied by an increase in the earnings subject to the Social Security payroll tax, which helps fund the safety net program. Source – The San Diego Union Tribune – Jim Tankersley.

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!”

Buy Tickets

Join the La Mesa Chamber of Commerce and Assist Children of Military Families Living in La Mesa Military Housing

Want to make a difference this holiday season for the children of military personnel that live in La Mesa military housing? Then join the members of the La Mesa Chamber of Commerce and purchase toys, diapers and other items that will make their holiday season special. The Chamber is collecting toys, diapers, and other items for children of military families living in La Mesa military housing between the ages of 2 -13 years old. We are thrilled to announce our partnership with BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse, 5500 Grossmont Center Drive, La Mesa and will be holding our toy drive party at the BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse in Grossmont Center on Tuesday, December 6th from 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Our Presenting Sponsor of this party is EDCO with Supporting Sponsor Kirk Paving, Inc., and Associate Sponsor Amanda Hammett Insurance & Financial Services – State Farm.  


Admission is complimentary to Chamber Members bringing a new, unwrapped toy, Non-Member guests $10 each and bring an unwrapped toy and $20 each for all “At Door” guests and bring a new unwrapped toy, as well. The evening includes heavy hors d’oeuvres, salads, and signature pizzas. Make your reservation by Thursday, December 1st to: rsvp@lamesachamber.com. Those that are unable to attend the event but wish to donate may contact the Chamber office, 619-465-7700 to make arrangements to either deliver the toys or have them picked up.  

Join the La Mesa Chamber of Commerce and Assist Homebound Seniors This Holiday Season!

We encourage you to join us and make a difference in the lives of La Mesa homebound seniors. Each year the Chamber has assisted homebound seniors. This year we shall assist a total of 16 seniors,12 women and 4 men. We are now beginning to gather items for these seniors. It is the goal of the Chamber to collect, purchase and assemble items and place them in large gift baskets and gift bags. All these gift bags are delivered to the selected seniors by the La Mesa Retired Senior Volunteer Patrol. Due to delivery schedule, the deadline to receive the gifts for our seniors is Friday, December 2nd. This will allow time to wrap all the items, prepare all the gift baskets and purchase the items needed. 


We ask that if you wish to donate items from your pantry, please double check the expiration date on those items and make sure they have not expired.


Here are items that we suggest you can purchase to donate to this year’s gift baskets: Canned soups, canned vegetables, canned fruits, packets of crackers, packets of pasta or macaroni & cheese, bars of soap, tubes of tooth paste, packs of tissues, bottles of hand soaps, bottles of hand sanitizer, pens and pads of paper. Gift cards in any denomination from the following locations: Walmart, Target, or any grocery store. If you have another item you believe will put a smile on their faces, by all means drop them off! We want to make this a memorable holiday for our seniors again this year.

Items may be delivered to the La Mesa Chamber office: 8080 La Mesa Blvd., Suite 214, La Mesa to Fran Smith. Monday - Friday between the hours of 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.


Mary England is also available 7 days a week to meet donors and pick up those items directly. Contact Mary England on her cell 619-251-7730.

County of San Diego Graffiti Removal Program

La Mesa Park Appreciation Day

There is still time to signup for Park Appreciation Day on Saturday, November 5th!


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!

California Coast Credit Union Receives

2022 Latina Friendly Workplace Award

California Coast Credit Union was named the recipient of the inaugural 2022 Latina Friendly Workplace Award by MANA de San Diego, a local organization that empowers Latinas through education, leadership development, community service, and advocacy. The award was presented at the Latina Success Conference on October 22, 2022, at San Diego State University.

 

Cal Coast Credit Union was selected for the top honor from sixteen finalists by the MANA de San Diego Board of Directors based on criteria including flexible work schedules, programs aimed at career advancement, networking opportunities, childcare and extended leave benefits, management training, hiring from within, and internal job postings. At the credit union, 33% of all director level positions and 33% of all manager level positions are staffed by Latinas.

 

Cal Coast was also highlighted for a “Management Boot Camp” created in response to the impact on staff due to the pandemic. The intent of the program is to improve human connections and develop managers who value diversity, equity, and inclusion, in addition to understanding employee mental health issues.

 

“Cal Coast is humbled to be recognized by MANA de San Diego for the inaugural 2022 Latina Friendly Workplace Award. We applaud our Latina leaders across the organization and this acknowledgement is a true reflection of their talent and dedication,” said Kathy Cady, Cal Coast’s Chief Operating Officer. “At Cal Coast we are proud to support professional development opportunities and we encourage our workforce to pursue volunteer and service activities within the communities that they are passionate about. We will continue to make certain that diversity, equity, and inclusion are top of mind in all that we do.”

 

MANA de San Diego, the largest and most active MANA chapter, recognizes employers who demonstrate a commitment to hiring and promoting Latinas to the highest levels of leadership in the organization, as well as mentoring/sponsoring them in their career development. MANA de San Diego strives for the well-being of Latinas and their upward economic mobility.

From SDG&E: Save 18% on Your Monthly Electric Bill with FERA

SDG&E recognizes this is still a challenging time for many customers. Even if you have never qualified for assistance before, you may be eligible now. If you have three or more people in your household and are having a hard time paying your electric bill, you may be eligible for an 18% discount on your electric bill. To apply, visit sdge.com/FERA

La Mesa Chamber Calendar

NOW through December 2 - Accepting donations to the La Mesa Homebound Seniors Holiday Project | Details


NOW through December 5 - Accepting donations to the Toy Drive for La Mesa Military Families Holiday Project | Details


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.

SEE FULL CALENDAR

For local La Mesa news, visit lamesacourier.com

For East County news, visit ww.eccalifornian.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:
Cush Plaza La Mesa
Cush Plaza La Mesa
Commercial Real Estate
5565 Grossmont Center Dr.
La Mesa, CA 91942
858-549-2874
Platinum Members
Gold Members

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

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
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