Your Weekly La Mesa Chamber News

In case you missed last week's e-blast: May 20 Eblast See more past email blasts here.

As we celebrate the veterans of our military services, we remember those who have put their lives on the line to protect the freedoms that we enjoy. They have dedicated their lives to their country. Today we recognize them and every day are grateful for their sacrifices. 

Let’s remember the words of John F. Kennedy, “As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words but to live by them."

The Chamber Office is Closed From May 23rd Through June 1st

The Chamber office will be closed during this time and hope you all have a wonderful Memorial Holiday. Staff will be out of the country and have limited access to email. We suggest that you send emails and correspondence after that date. However, if you have an important issue or need, we suggest you send those to: Chamber@lamesachamber.com and Masaleen will respond.

PLEASE NOTE: Remember you can RSVP to all of our upcoming events during this time and we would love to see you at : Anthony’s Mixer on Wednesday, June 8th, the welcome and ribbon cutting for Plates, Tags & More on Wednesday June 15th, Taco Tuesday “after five” Mixer on Tuesday June 21st, and welcome and ribbon cutting for Duke’s Old Fashioned Onion Burgers on Wednesday, June 29th. We would also encourage you to purchase your tickets for the 13th annual Taste of San Diego East on Monday, July 18th and the 8th annual “Summer Bash" Business Expo on Thursday, August 18th.  

On Wednesday, June 8, the La Mesa Chamber of Commerce invites you to join us at an evening mixer at Anthony’s Fish Grotto. This popular location has been a favorite of locals for years, so join us and sample the food that has made them famous. Enjoy great hors d’oeuvres, wine by the glass, as well as mixed drinks and soft drinks at happy hour prices. Anthony’s Fish Grotto is a strong supporter of our community and we encourage you to join us and relax on this summer evening by the lakeside patio.

The Chamber will host a raffle and other prizes throughout the evening. Be sure to make plans to join us and bring your business cards while you mix and mingle!

Wednesday, June 8, 2022

Time: 5:30 - 7:00 p.m.

Location: 9530 Murray Dr., La Mesa

Cost:

FREE to Chamber Members

$10.00 for Guests with RSVP

$20 for all “at door” attendees

Don’t miss out on the summer fun!

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

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

Don’t be left out – RSVP now so we know you will be joining us!

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

The La Mesa Flag Day Parade salutes “Old Glory” at the 23rd annual event on Saturday, June 4. The parade begins at 10:00 a.m., marching west through the La Mesa Village along La Mesa Blvd. to Acacia. The parade will be led by the United States Marine Corps 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing Band and Grossmont High School Navy Junior ROTC Color Guard. This year’s Grand Marshal will be healthcare and essential workers from Sharp Grossmont Hospital. Cheer on marching bands, active and retired military members, service clubs, and youth groups. 

“The La Mesa Flag Day Parade is an exciting annual tradition,” said La Mesa Mayor Mark Arapostathis. “We look forward to gathering together again after two years to celebrate Flag Day and honor the essential workers from our local Sharp Grossmont Hospital.”

About the Flag Day Parade:

When:       Saturday, June 4 | 10am

Where:      Along La Mesa Blvd., University Ave., and Memorial Dr.

The La Mesa Community Relations and Veterans Commission will be providing free ice cream bars at “The Lookout” at Legacy Park on the corner of La Mesa Boulevard, 4th Street and Allison Avenue, while supplies last.

Limited parking will be available in the Civic Center parking lot, located at Date Street across from the La Mesa Police station. The City encourages you to walk or take public transportation to this event

In addition to donations from community members, the La Mesa Flag Day Parade is sponsored by EDCO and the La Mesa Village Association. For more information, contact FlagDayHelp@cityoflamesa.us or visit the City’s website. All San Diego county residents and their families are invited to share in this free and fun event.

May 20, 2022 City Manager Update

Volunteer for a City Board or Commission!

We are seeking La Mesa residents who are interested in serving their community by becoming a member of a City board or commission. 

Current Openings:

• Community Relations and Veterans Commission
• Community Services Commission
• Design Review Board
• Historic Preservation Commission
• La Mesa Community Parking Commission
• Mobility Commission
• Personnel Appeals Board
• Planning Commission
• Youth Advisory Commission*

Applications are due by 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, June 21, 2022. Interviews will be held the following week at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, June 28, 2022. *Youth Advisory Commission meetings will be held in September. Please be aware that some positions have specific residency, professional, or other requirements.

Visit the Boards and Commissions page to learn more and to apply!

NOW HIRING 

The City of La Mesa is now hiring for a number of part-time and full-time positions, including the below:

• Administrative Coordinator
• Human Resources Analyst
• Assistant/Associate Engineer
• Management Analyst/Senior Management Analyst
• Public Works Maintenance Worker I/II

Find the complete list of job opportunities by clicking here.

Voting by Mail: Simple, Convenient, Secure

As ballots start showing up in mailboxes around San Diego County, the Registrar of Voters office is encouraging voters to vote early.

Voting by mail is:

• SIMPLE: A ballot, instructions and an “I Voted” sticker are included in your official ballot packet.
• CONVENIENT: Make voting decisions and mark your ballot comfortably at home.
• SECURE: Sign and date your envelope, seal your completed ballot inside and return it postage free to a trusted source.

There are 3 locations in La Mesa to return your mail ballot (hours vary):

• Frazier Farms - 8401 Fletcher Parkway
• La Mesa Branch Library - 8074 Allison Ave
• Westmont of La Mesa - 9000 Murray Drive

Traffic Advisory - Gateside Road Closed

As we work to improve our roadways and enhance the commuting experience for our residents, we have an update on a temporary road closure.

Westbound Gateside Road from Spring Street to Gateside Way is now closed for two months for construction of improvements. Please plan your route accordingly and follow posted detours.

Eastbound Gateside to Spring and Palm is open to traffic although it may be reduced to one lane at time.

If you have any questions about the detour routes, please do not hesitate to email our News Desk at news@cityoflamesa.us or call 619-667-1191.

Order FREE COVID-19 Tests for Your Business TODAY

The state has millions of at-home COVID-19 antigen tests available for organizations and businesses. Complete the form to reserve tests for your staff and clients, which are available while supplies last.

Please share this opportunity with others in your network! 

Dear California Voter,

All active registered California voters have been sent a vote-by-mail ballot with a prepaid, first-class postage return envelope for the June 7, 2022, Primary Election.

You have multiple safe, secure, and reliable options for returning your ballot. Whichever option you choose to return your ballot, remember to sign the envelope in the space provided.

• Mail – No stamp is required to return your ballot through the US Postal Service. Make sure your ballot is postmarked by June 7, 2022, and arrives no later than 7 days after the election.  
• Drop box – Counties offer secure drop boxes to return your ballot. Make sure your ballot is deposited by 8:00 p.m. on June 7, 2022.
• In person – You can return your ballot to a polling place, vote center, or your county elections office by 8:00 p.m. on June 7, 2022. One or more voting locations in many counties will be open prior to Election Day. Voting locations will offer voter registration, replacement ballots, accessible voting machines, and language assistance.

Sign up at WheresMyBallot.sos.ca.gov to receive updates on your vote-by-mail ballot via text (SMS), email, or voice call.  

Remember to make a plan to vote! For more information on casting your ballot, go to vote.ca.gov.

Sincerely,

California Secretary of State

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.

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

To celebrate International Chardonnay Day (May 27), try a complimentary taste of our 2021 Chardonnay (San Diego County), a Silver Medal winner at the Toast of the Coast. Enjoy $5 off a bottle all day at the La Mesa Village Tasting Room.

Save The Date!

(Sunday, June 12th, 5 to 7pm, at La Mesa Wine Works)

We just gave the new releases a try and think you are going to love them! Watch for more details coming soon. Can't wait to see you there!   

The La Mesa Woman’s Club (LMWC) celebrated 120 years since our founding, at a luncheon on May 4th. We proudly celebrated 120 years of community service of current members and past members including Juniors and Tempos. From the very beginning LMWC members volunteered countless hours supporting education, children, the environment, health & safety, libraries, the military, senior citizens, women’s Issues and member enrichment. 

Co-Presidents Betsy Quinn and Kathy Tinsley welcomed everyone and introduced California Federation of Woman’s Club (CFWC) and Southern District officers. Mary England, President of the La Mesa Chamber of Commerce, presented certificates from the Chamber, Mark Arapostathis, Mayor of La Mesa and Supervisor Nathan Fletcher. A beautiful framed Resolution from the Honorable Brian W. Jones, 38th Senatorial District was presented. Four of our members were presented with 60-year pins & certificates and four members received 50-year pins & certificates. Certificates were also presented for 10 to 40 years of service. Dorothy Dixon and Gertrude Findley received Honorary Memberships, a very special award to two very special ladies. Congratulations to Sandi Phoenix, Chair of the event.

Three of the members are centenarians and were avid bridge players. We recently celebrated Esther Jones’s birthday on March 29th, she is 103. Another member, Dorothy Dixon, was 103 on May 18th and Gertrude Findley will be 102 on November 4th. These three special ladies have been participating in some way in the clubhouse activities for many years.

We know for many, meeting everyday needs isn’t easy. If you have past-due bills and are a CARE or FERA customer, you may be eligible for debt forgiveness through our Arrearage Management Payment (AMP) plan. This plan offers eligible customers help with reducing their past due account balances. To see if you qualify, visit sdge.com/AMP.

June 4 - La Mesa Flag Day Parade : Parade starts at 10am at the corner of La Mesa Blvd., University Ave. and Memorial Dr. | Details

June 8 - Evening Mixer at Anthony’s Fish Grotto : 5:30-7pm on the “Lake” at Anthony’s Fish Grotto | 9530 Murray Drive in La Mesa | Details/RSVP

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.