La Mesa Chamber News | August 9, 2021
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Your Weekly La Mesa Chamber News
In case you missed last week's email blast: August 2 Eblast
Eat Your Heart Out at Taste!
The 12th Annual "Taste of San Diego - East" is on August 30th

The Chamber’s 12th annual popular “foodie” event is happening on Monday, August 30, 2021. This special evening where guests can “eat their hearts out” will be 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.
Monday, August 30, 2021

Time: 5-8pm
VIP Tasting: 5-8p
General Admission Tasting: 6-8pm

Where: Town and Country San Diego
500 Hotel Circle North in Mission Valley

Early Bird Tickets (purchased by 8/20):
Early Bird VIP: $60, 5-8pm | Early Bird General Admission: $40, 6-8pm
Food and Beverage Lineup to Date:
Amore Kitchen
Brew Coffee Spot
Buckboard Catering and Events
Dream Dinners
Edible Arrangements
Frazier Farms
Hooleys Public House
I-Que BBQ
Little Roma
Marie Callender’s
Pick Up Stix
The III Tier Macarons
Ultimate Catering Concepts
Valley Farm Market
West Coast Smoke and Tap House
For details and to buy tickets, visit Taste.LaMesaChamber.com
Chamber Celebrates Volunteers
The volunteer team is a valuable part of the Chamber. Their commitment and the time they give to the Chamber is critical to our events. 

The Chamber wanted to celebrate each of them and invited them to dinner to thank them in person for their commitment. We are sorry that the entire team had conflicts and could not attend, but those who did, had fun! It was a great night and several of them came up with great new ideas that we will implement during our 12th Annual Taste of San Diego - East being held on Monday, August 30th. We drafted our volunteer team that will be active at our 13th Annual Salute to Local Heroes being held on October 13th. A good time was had by all. 
Photo courtesy of Sandra Small/ Photographer
Welcome to Our New Members!
West Coast Smoke and
Tap House

Welcome to West Coast Smoke and Tap House – your neighborhood pub serving great food. We have a rotating draft beer selection featuring some of the finest brews around. In addition to our menu items, please check out our daily specials food board as you walk into West Coast. We have friendly new staff and new food items, including soups, sandwiches, and salads. We are open for lunch, at 11:00 am, seven days a week.
6126 Lake Murray Blvd. in La Mesa
Honor Among Thieves

WE ARE A GROUP OF MISFIT BARBERS DEDICATED TO PRESERVING THE TIME-HONORED TRADE OF TRADITIONAL BARBERING.
8055 La Mesa Blvd. Suite 104 in La Mesa
(619) 776-7151 | honoramongthieves.net
La Mesa Rotary

La Mesa Rotary is the place where business and civic leaders come to share ideas, connect, and get inspired. Rotary members are people of action, dedicated to sustainable, impactful change in the communities in which they live and work. Meetings are weekly on Wednesdays at noon*. *Check schedule online for in-person or zoom meetings.
4975 Memorial Drive in La Mesa | (619) 667-1308 | lamesarotary.org
From the San Diego County Water Authority: Resources for Saving Water as Summer Hits its Peak
As summer hits its peak, we are refocusing our attention on continuing our decades-long commitment to water-use efficiency in the San Diego region. While we have reliable supplies for this summer, it’s always important to make the best use of our most precious natural resource. 

For decades, the San Diego region has been a leader in water-use efficiency and remains committed to continuing voluntary conservation efforts. In fact, our region has reduced per capita water use by nearly 50 percent since 1990.

But there’s always room to do more, and the Water Authority strongly supports the governor’s call for a 15% voluntary reduction in water use so local, regional, and state water agencies can maximize the availability of limited water supplies as conditions change.

Simple water-saving steps include washing full loads of laundry and dishes, fixing pipe leaks quickly, and using hoses with automatic shut-off valves.
 
Several helpful tools and resources are available at www.watersmartSD.org. The site has information about landscape makeover classes, incentives and rebates for WaterSmart devices, and even a free WaterSmart checkup for homes and businesses.
From the California Public Utilities Commission: Electric Climate Credit on August Bill
What is the California Climate Credit?

This August* your utility bill will include an electric credit identified as the "California Climate Credit." Your household and millions of others throughout the state will receive this credit on your utility bills.

In the past years, the electric credit was applied in April and October, and the gas credit was applied in April. For 2020 and 2021, the California Public Utilities Commission authorized SDG&E to temporarily shift the electric credit to be applied in August and September.
Changing the distribution months will not change the total value of the climate credits you receive in a year. The shift will provide bill relief for customers – during the typically hottest months of the year – and reduce bill volatility.

The gas credit will continue to be applied in April. In 2022, the climate credit will be distributed back to its original timing of April and October unless the Commission directs otherwise. The California Climate Credit is part of California’s efforts to fight climate change. This credit is from a state program that requires power plants, natural gas providers, and other large industries that emit greenhouse gases, to buy carbon pollution permits.

The credit on your bill is your share of the payments from the State’s program. The Climate Credit is one of many programs resulting from landmark legislation called the Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006.

The California Climate Credit is one way Californians are working towards a zero-carbon state. Find other ideas for energy and money-saving upgrades for your home while reducing your carbon footprint at energyupgradeca.org/the-movement.

For more information about the Climate Credit, visit www.cpuc.ca.gov/climatecredit
We Need to Hear From You! Take the La Mesa Business Survey
Attention All Chamber Members & Business Owners!

The City is Expecting Approximately $10.8 Million From the American Rescue Plan Act Funds - These Funds Are to Help With the Impacts of COVID-19

As we begin the road to recovery together, it is important to reflect on the last year. We all had our own individual challenges and learned that this community is strong and our business community is resilient. It is important to capture some data that identifies the direct impacts of COVID. As the City of La Mesa looks to spending portions of the $10.8 million of American Rescue Plan Act funds, it is our hope that some of those funds may be directed to small businesses and nonprofits throughout the City of La Mesa. However, we need to collect information from all of you to see if there is a need, and identify that need. Be sure and pass this survey on to other business within the City of La Mesa to share their opinion, as well.

Answer questions on the survey NOW! Tell us how COVID-19 has impacted your life and business, and if you need any type of assistance. Until we know what your needs are, it is difficult to ask for any portion of these funds. Tell us how funding would help with your economic recovery. We are all in this together!

Keeping Up With Jones August 4, 2021 Edition
How About A Double Dose of Are You Kidding Me?!

“There was a chance to lower gasoline prices by over 50 cents a gallon but it was not even considered by the California Legislature”
“Democrat politicians are letting violent criminals out early‚ lowering crime penalties‚ and cutting police budgets.”
Grants for Small Business!


The California Rebuilding Fund is offering small businesses with fewer than 50 full-time equivalent employees loans up to $100‚000. Learn more and apply here.

Businesses can reach out to their nearest Small Business Development Center (SBDC)‚ which has developed the Small Business Survival Resources Guide to help business owners navigate the of programs. SBDC can help with applying for relief‚ guiding you through available resources‚ and assisting with cash flow concerns‚ supply-chain interruptions‚ workforce capacity‚ insurance coverage‚ and more--all at no cost.
Questions about the Golden State Stimulus?

The Golden State Stimulus (GSS) has been expanded so more Californians are eligible. There are now three programs.
Regional Transportation Question

SANDAG‚ an association of local San Diego governments‚ proposed in May the San Diego Forward 2021 Regional Plan. The Regional Plan is updated every four years and supports regional transportation planning and programming efforts‚ including overseeing which projects are funded under the Regional Transportation Improvement Program and TransNet program. The proposal can be found here. If you would like to make your comments known about this plan‚ you can share them here in this short survey that will collect and send your comments to SANDAG. Thank you to the East County Economic Development Council for the opportunity to comment on the plan.
Did you hear?

San Diego home prices are up 24.7% in the past year as of May making it the second hottest real estate market in the United States‚ This May marked the highest annual increase in at least thirty years for the nation.
AT&T’s Disaster Recovery - Customer Relief and Tips
We know how critical communications are, especially during disasters and severe weather events. And just as we prepare, you should too. For our customers nationwide, please keep these tips and helpful information in mind:
  • If you’re in an area that is experiencing severe conditions but have not been told to evacuate, plan to stay indoors wherever you are, and share your location with friends and family.
  • Charge all wireless devices in the event you lose power.
  • Tune into your local news for the latest weather updates and emergency instructions.
  • Restock your emergency preparedness kit to include enough food and water for at least three days, medications, a flashlight, batteries, cash, and first aid supplies.

For more helpful disaster tips, please visit: att.com/disasterrelief/planningahead
To see the full flyer, click here.
From Assemblymember Weber: Backpack Giveaway Event
For nine years, the 79th Assembly District has hosted a Backpack Giveaway event, where students receive free backpacks filled with school supplies for the upcoming school year. We will be giving away 1,000 backpacks stuffed with supplies and sanitation kits to prepare students for in-person learning. Join us on Saturday, August 14th from 10am – 1pm at Horace Mann Middle School, where we will also have a free vaccination clinic, free helmet fittings and helmets, and more giveaways!

To ensure we have an accurate count, we ask that you complete the registration prior to the event. To register, you may visit: https://bit.ly/ad79backpacks. Please note that registration will close 3pm on Friday, August 13th. CDC guidelines will be followed during this event.
Don't Forget to Apply for the Small Business Stimulus Grant
Small Business Stimulus Grant Funding is Available NOW From the County of San Diego – We Are District 2

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.
From SDG&E: Summer Energy-Saving Tips for Businesses
While much has changed over the past year, one thing has not – the promise of hot summer temperatures. Now is the perfect time to set your business up for summer energy savings success. Here are tips to get you started:
  1. Know the details of your energy pricing plan. Most small businesses are on an Event Day pricing plan which typically offers the lowest annual price due to the potential for an Event Day being called. Pricing during Event Days can reach upwards of 400% during these peak hours, which is why conservation is so important. 
  2. Understand your energy usage. Review your business’ energy usage patterns and history so you can adjust your SDG&E pricing plan if needed. Businesses have had to adjust their operations in many cases so this can be a powerful tool to help you understand your energy usage and whether you are on the best pricing plan. 
  3. Sign up for energy alerts. You can sign up for alerts through SDG&E’s My Account to receive notifications when an Event Day occurs. This way you can prepare in advance for any shifts in operations to conserve energy.  
  4. Take advantage of SDG&E’s business programs. Sign up for a Demand Response (DR) program to help your business save energy and money. DR programs provide incentives to businesses when they reduce electricity use when the demand is higher. Participating in a DR program contributes to a clean energy future and helps relieve stress on the power grid in your community. 

Visit sdge.com/business-summer to learn about energy pricing plans, energy alerts and demand response programs for your business.
Lamplighters Theatre Presents: THE LAST FIVE YEARS Written and Composed by Jason Robert Brown
“Take a breath, take a step, take a chance.”

Lamplighters Theatre presents The Last Five Years, Tony-Award winner Jason Robert Brown’s poignant and smart contemporary musical of five years in the relationship of an ambitious young writer, Jamie, and his struggling actress wife, Cathy.

Funny, uplifting, and told in a unique non-linear form, this musical captures some of the most heartbreaking and universally felt moments of modern romance.

“[Jason Robert Brown is] a leading member of a new generation of composers who embody high hopes for the American musical.” –New York Times

“A bracing music theatre piece…brimming with persistent melodies, throughout lyrics and a heartfelt, compelling story” -Associated Press

“Unpredictably heartfelt insights, energized by a seductive, rhythmic drive” – Newsday

DIRECTORS: Teri Brown and Jonathan Sturch
MUSICAL DIRECTOR: Christopher T. Miller
PRODUCER: Pamela Stompoly
CAST: Christopher T. Miller and Keri Miller

PERFORMANCE DATES: July 23, 2021 through August 15, 2021
TICKETS: General admission: $26; Students/Seniors/Military: $23 (group rates available)
RESERVATIONS: 619-303-5092 or www.lamplighterslamesa.com

FOR REVIEWER TICKETS, PLEASE CONTACT HEATHER KENNEY AT: 619-303-5092 OR BOXOFFICE@LAMPLIGHTERSLAMESA.COM

The Last Five Years contains adult situations and language. This show is best suited for those over the age of 16 and is presented by special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI (mtishows.com). Originally Produced for the New York stage by Arielle Tepper and Marty Bell. Originally Produced by Northlight Theatre Chicago, IL.
La Mesa Chamber Calendar
August 30 - "Taste of San Diego - East" : 5-8pm at Town and Country San Diego in Mission Valley | Details/Buy Tickets

October 13 - Salute to Local Heroes & Installation Dinner : 5:30-8:45pm at Sycuan Casino Resort | 5485 Casino Way, El Cajon, CA 92019 | Details/RSVP

November 10 - Evening Mixer at Hooleys Public House : 5:30-7pm at Hooleys Public House | 5500 Grossmont Center Drive, La Mesa | Details

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

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
Grossmont Center
At Grossmont Center, you’ll be reminded why our center has thrived since 1961 because it’s where friendships are made, family bonds are strengthened and memories are created.
5500 Grossmont Center Dr. #213 in La Mesa
(619) 465-2900 | www.grossmontcenter.com
Platinum Members
SMIB Management, Inc.
Gold Members
AAA Imaging
A.L. Sound
American Medical Response
Barnes & Noble -
Grossmont Center
Benchmark Financial
Community Spectrum
EDCO Waste & Recycling Corp.
Frazier Farms
Kostedt Design & Marketing
Magnaglobe Enterprises
Major Security Services
Park Station
PenChecks, Inc.
Productivity Plus Office Support
San Pasqual Winery
Sanctuary Cruises
Sears Mechanical
Sensi Media
Studio M.I.F.
The East County Californian
Ultimate Catering Concepts
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