In case you missed last week's email blast: April 6 Eblast

The county moved to the orange tier of the current state framework easing restriction and easing restrictions and allowing more indoor activities. This has been a long-awaited announcement for the business community, who have been struggling with the pandemic and the state restrictions for over a year. April 7th will also bring an end to a local curfew that forced restaurants and other food and beverage-serving establishments to stop serving at 10 p.m.

Capacity increase to a maximum of 50% or 200 people max (outdoor and indoor dining continues) *10 p.m. Curfew lifted*

Indoor service can resume, with safety modifications, including 25% capacity or 100 people max (and the rule about NOT having to serve food at these businesses continues)

Capacity on indoor activities can increase to 50% (this was at 25% under the red tier rules)

Indoor capacity increases to a max of 50% or 200 people max

Indoor service can resume, with COVID safety modifications, at 25% capacity – or at 50% if guests are tested or show proof of full vaccination, per the California Department of Public Health

Capacity increases to a max of 25% (up from 15% under the red tier), with in-state visitors only

Capacity can increase to 33%; in-state visitors only and primarily in-seat concessions

Retail: No capacity limits

Also, effective April 15, the California Department of Public Health says seated live events and performances can resume under the red tier at maximum of 10% or 100 people, whichever is fewer. In the orange tier, goes up to 15% or 200 people, whichever is fewer, or 35% if all guests show proof of full vaccination.

The complicated tier system of restrictions will be eliminated as the positive trends continue. Citing a rising tide of vaccinations and relatively stable coronavirus activity statewide, the state announced on April 6th the complicated tier system would be scrapped and the state would fully reopen on June 15th. Should the positive factors continue - no fresh surge of COVID related hospitalization and vaccine supply estimates for the coming months continue, the vast majority of businesses and organizations statewide may reopen at full capacity more than two weeks before the Fourth of July.

California has already administered 20 million doses and anticipates 30 million people across the state will have received at least one dose by the end of April. The current trend toward lower COVID-related hospitalization has a lot to do with the level of confidence currently on display. Dr. Mark Ghaly, the state’s secretary of health and human services stated that he and the Governor are not yet ready to declare an end to the state’s mask mandate as many other states have done. They stated that the rate of infections and hospitalizations will determine the remaining life of the mask mandate. If currently low hospitalization trends continue to grow more robust, then most locations, from bars to concert venues, will be able to open at 100 percent capacity on June 15. There will be special rules, Ghaly said, for certain extra-large gatherings places, such as convention centers and large multiday events.

Join us as we welcome one of our newest members to our La Mesa business community. The team at San Diego Aesthetics & Med Spa strive to make you feel at home and provide you with the highest quality aesthetic and skin care services. The goal is to never change you, but to help reveal your most confident self. The providers want to enhance and highlight the distinctive features that make you unique. Some of the services offered are: Injectables, Facials, Tattoo Removal, Laser Hair removal, Erbium Resurfacing and more! Visit their website for all of the services they offer and for more information: www.sdamedspa.com or call 619-363-2201

Date: Saturday, April 24th

Time: 3 p.m. - 8 p.m.

“Official” ribbon cutting at 5 p.m.

Location: San Diego Aesthetics & Med Spa - 8710 La Mesa Blvd., La Mesa

Appetizers and cold beverages will be served

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

Join us in welcoming EMBR Dispensary!

Date & Time: Tuesday, April 20th at 10:00 a.m.

Location: 8300 Center Dr., La Mesa 91942

RSVP to: rsvp@lamesachamber.com or online.

We are happy to welcome Next Door Craft Beer & Wine Bar to our business community. This is a cozy little bar with a living room setting and an outdoor patio, serving a top-notch selection of craft beer and wine. This is a special place that not only has a relaxing atmosphere, but also serves delicious specialty plates - cheese plates and meat & cheese plates, sandwiches - Californian Sandwich, Ham Sandwich, Turkey sandwich, Prosciutto Caprese & Fresh Mozzarella sandwich, various salads and more!

Come meet the owners and join us as we welcome them at an evening mixer from 5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. with the "official" ribbon cutting happening at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, May 26th. Hors d’oeuvres will be served and happy hour pricing will be offered throughout the night. Visit nextdoorsandiego.com or call 619-303-0988.

Date & Time: Wednesday, May 26th between 5:30 - 7 p.m.

Location: 7235 El Cajon Blvd., San Diego, CA 92115

Hors d’oeuvres will be served and happy hour pricing!

Due to COVID-19 restrictions RSVP's are required and limited to the first 30 people: rsvp@lamesachamber.com or register online.

The County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a recommendation to prevent over $600,000 in fee increases and new fees proposed for Fiscal Year 2021-22. Instead the County will explore the use of federal American Rescue Plan Act funds to cover anticipated budget shortfalls. The County Department of Environmental Health and Quality proposed increasing and enacting 139 fees that would have impacted restaurants, retail markets, school food facilities, farmers markets, mobile food facilities and other businesses.

“Increasing fees on businesses that are barely surviving during the pandemic is the wrong idea, at the wrong time,” said Supervisor Anderson. “We have businesses trying to reopen and families trying to survive. The County is providing a number of resources to our residents and businesses to meet the challenges of COVID-19, deferring scheduled fee increases is yet another way we can help our community recover.”

On March 30th the President signed into law, the two-month extension to apply for Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan and allows organizations and others more time to pursue a second PPP loan.

The maximum loan amount of a second PPP loan is two-and-a-half times the average monthly 2019 or 2020 payroll costs, up to $2 million.

The $2 trillion+ infrastructure package was outlined on March 31st. Some highlights are below:

These measures would phase in over eight years. And, among other funding mechanisms, the white house plan would increase the corporate tax rate from 21 percent to 28 percent.

April 1st – Those 50 years of age or older can receive vaccines

April 15th – Those 16 years of age or older can receive vaccine

San Diegans wishing to get vaccinated can make an appointment by visiting www.vaccinationsuperstationsd.com.

Or use My Turn’s toll-free number (1-833-422-4255) on weekday from 8 am – 8 pm and weekends 8 am-5 pm to sign up for an appointment.

For details on groups currently eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine and vaccination opportunities, visit www.vaccinationsuperstation.com.

On April 2nd Travel Advisory was updated to outline quarantine guidance for non-essential travel.

CDPH and the CDC recommend delaying travel until persons are fully vaccinated because travel increases the chance of getting and spreading COVID-19.

Eligible households who are impacted by COVID-19 and behind on rent and utility payments can apply for assistance.

San Diego and Chula Vista residents – ERAPSanDiego.org

All other residents: SDHCD.org

Eligible landlords and renters can apply for financial assistance with unpaid rent.

For additional information on eligibility call 833-430-2122 for questions or application assistance, or visit housing.ca.gov/covid_rr.

The benefits of getting vaccinated against a dangerous virus – should be obvious by this stage of the pandemic. If that isn’t sufficient motivation, consider the swag. Businesses across the united State and beyond are offering free merchandise and other stuff to people who receive COVID shots. The perks include free rides, doughnuts, money, arcade tokens and even marijuana.

In Cleveland, the Market Garden Brewery is offering 10-cent beers to the fist 2021 people who show a COVID-19 vaccine certificate. At the Greenhous of Walled Lake, a medical marijuana dispensary in Michigan, anyone 21 and older who gets a COVID vaccine can pick up a rolled joint until the end of the month. Chobani provides free yogurt at some vaccination sites. Krispy Kreme said in March that for the rest of the year, it would give one glazed doughnut per day to anyone who provides proof of a COVID-19 vaccination. As vaccinations accelerated across the United States, “We made the decision that said, ‘Hey, we can support the next act of joy,’ which is, if you come by, show us a vaccine card, get a doughnut any time, any day, every day if you choose to,” the company’s chief executive, Michael Tatterfield, told Fox News. There appears to be no shortage of such swag swirling around the world’s hospitals and vaccination clinics. “Protected!” says a button that patients receive at a vaccination site in Hong Kong. There are plenty of options for purchase online. One badge – “I got my Fauci ouchi” – pays homage to America’s best-known doctor, Dr. Anthony Fauci, another says, “Thank, science.” Source: The San Diego Union Tribune – Mike Ives & Jesus Jimenez. Photo: Amr Alfiky / The New York Times, 2020

The U.S. job market remains challenging, with the government reporting last week that initial claims for state unemployment benefits rose last week. A total of 741,000 workers filed first-time claims for state jobless benefits last week, an increase of 18,000 the labor Department stated. At the same time,152,000 new claims were filed for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance, a federal program covering freelancers, part timers and others who do not routinely qualify for state benefits. That was a decline of 85,000. Source: The San Diego Union Tribune – Nelson D. Schwartz.

More than 3.1 million Americans ages 55 or older plan to apply for Social Security benefits earlier than they once thought because of the pandemic, according to the Census Bureau. That’s offset by 1.4 million people in the same age group who anticipate working longer due to the impact of COVID-19, according to another survey. The upshot is a net 1.7 million early retirements, which will likely mean more positions opening up for younger Americans. Older workers – the so-called baby boomers born in the two decades after World War II - have accounted for most of the more than 17 million jobs created in the U.S. since 2000.

Starting last week Sea World reopened its thrill rides and coasters, marking the first time they’ll be accessible to visitors in more than a year. Although SeaWorld has been open since early February under separate more relaxed state guidelines, its rides have been off limits because of restrictions designed to curb the spread of the coronavirus. The State of California recently issued revised guidelines that permitted amusement parks to reopen April 1, subject to a number of limitations, including reduced capacities. Now that San Diego County has just entered the orange tier of the state’s color-coded reopening blueprint, SeaWorld can be open at 25 percent capacity as opposed to 15 percent under the more restrictive red tier, but only California residents will be allowed entry and reservations are also required. Source: The San Diego Union Tribune – Lori Weisberg.

With weeks to go before Disneyland and Disney California Adventure Park reopen, the Anaheim resort announced ticket sales will begin on April 12th for those holding unused tickets and sales for all other California residents will launch April 15. The two Disneyland Resort theme parks, which have been closed since March 2020 because of the pandemic, are scheduled to reopen April 30 with limited capacity and new virus protocols. The parks will operate from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.  Ticket prices will not exceed those of last year. Queues for rides must be outdoors and guests from different households must stand 6 feet apart. The rules also require that indoor rides last no more than 15 minutes. Face coverings are required for all parkgoers ages 2 and older. Employees will take the temperature of all visitors entering the resort. Source: The San Diego Union Tribune – Hugo Martin.

The County of San Diego is seeking input from residents on how best to use the anticipated federal stimulus funds, an estimated $650 million to be distributed under the American Rescue Plan bill. As a County, significant money has been used setting up the vaccine distribution sites, staff and supplies, totaling a cost of more than $100 million. Previous COVID-19 funding was used for small business grants, food services, childcare services, and income stipends. Supervisors would like residents to be a part of that conversation. Each Supervisor is holding a Community Workshop to hear from residents about needs and thoughts regarding this funding.

Our District 2 Community Workshop was already held. For those of you who could not attend the virtual meeting and would like to share your opinion on these funds, please send your comments directly to Supervisor Anderson here: www.supervisorjoelanderson.com/content/d2/us/en/contact.html

Learn how other communities around the nation are making their “pivot” and learn how virtual reality can unleash your ability to connect. Presented by Aaron Brossoit, CEO Golden Shovel Agency and PlaceVR.

Networking: 11:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Presentation: 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. (limited to 100 people)

As part of the Livable La Mesa Age Friendly project, the City of La Mesa Community Relations and Veterans Commission will host a virtual forum on Wednesday, April 28 at 6:00 PM to solicit feedback on the City’s information distribution methods. The event will foster dialogue on the current methods of communication being used by the City of La Mesa and solicit input for improvement. Questions, comments and suggestions are encouraged from residents as the City looks to improve distribution of critical information to further involve and inform the community.

The event is being held on Zoom at https://zoom.us/j/93872688513 or participate by phone by calling 669.900.6833 webinar ID: 938 7268 8513.

For more information, to submit written questions, comments, or for help accessing Zoom contact Meg Howell at mhowell@cityoflamesa.us or 619.667.1491 by noon on April 28, 2021.

The County of San Diego invites you to participate in our online webinar workshop on the Climate Action Plan Update (CAP Update) project. At this informative workshop, the County will present an overview of the project, describe the process for the preparation of the CAP Update, and the County will solicit important feedback from attendees.

The overall objective of the CAP Update is to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions generated from activities within the unincorporated county (community) and GHG emissions generated by County facilities and operational activities (County operations). Preparation of the CAP Update will include updated GHG inventory and projections, GHG reduction targets, and GHG reduction measures to meet or exceed GHG emissions reduction goals under State laws.

The virtual workshop will take place on Wednesday, April 21, 2021, at 6:00 PM. Please use this link to register for the workshop and add the event to your calendar. You will receive a confirmation e-mail and a numeric passcode to participate in the meeting.

Help us spread the word and share this message with your friends and colleagues!

Follow important news, notices, reports, presentations, workshop recordings, and upcoming outreach and meeting dates at the CAP Update project website.

Make sure to subscribe for emails at the link on the webpage, to receive important project notices and other information tailored for the CAP Update project.

For additional information, or to submit comments, please email: CAP@sdcounty.ca.gov or call (619) 323-6462.

Thank you and we look forward to your comments.

San Diego County Credit Union® (SDCCU®), one of Southern California’s largest locally-owned financial institutions, is proud to host weekly financial wellness webinars throughout the month of April in support of National Financial Literacy Month. Webinars are open to the public, and those who attend any of the weekly webinars in April will be entered for a chance to have SDCCU pay one of your bills up to $500!

“In celebration of April’s National Financial Literacy Month, SDCCU is pleased to not only provide the community with the opportunity to enhance their financial knowledge, but also have SDCCU pay their bills,” said SDCCU President and CEO Teresa Campbell. “What better way to accelerate your journey to a successful financial future than developing the skills to help get you there and also eliminating debt in the process? We are excited to be able to bring these educational presentations to our community members virtually.”

National Financial Literacy Month is focused on improving financial literacy within our communities and promoting financial well-being for consumers. The National Financial Literacy Month webinars are part of Financial Wellness Wednesdays, an ongoing program hosted by SDCCU to help provide the community access to free financial wellness information. Upcoming dates and times can be found at sdccu.com/fww. Rules for April’s webinar promotion are available at sdccu.com/sweepstakes.

​As San Diego’s largest locally-owned financial institution and a Live Well San Diego partner, SDCCU is dedicated to improving overall economic well-being by engaging in several financial wellness efforts. Research shows that poor financial health can often lead to diminished physical health. Also, evidence suggests that the average high school graduate lacks basic skills to manage personal finances, many young people experience difficulty balancing a checkbook and half of Americans live paycheck to paycheck. Together, we can help change these statistics and improve the financial health of our communities.

For access to financial wellness resources, visit sdccu.com/knowledge.

The American Red Cross is offering to educate our community virtually on safety and how to reduce home fire deaths and injuries. Did you know that home fires are the most common emergency across the country? Each year the Red Cross responds to an average of more than 60,000 disasters, the vast majority are home fires. Home fires claim SEVEN lives every day!

The Red Cross is now scheduling virtual home fire safety education sessions in our community. You will learn how to create a safety plan, and how to stop home fires before they start. The campaign to reduce home fire-related deaths and injuries looks different this year, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. When it’s safe, they will be partnering with fire departments to install smoke alarms in homes.

These personalized sessions can be requested by calling 619-354-9609 or by signing up on their website at SoundTheAlarm.org/SoCal. The flyer below provides all the information you need.

The Chamber encourages you to sign up and schedule your personalized Free Home Fire Education session NOW. Together, we can stop home fire deaths and injuries!

Have you filled out the simple form online to advertise your business for FREE? The San Diego Union Tribune has created an opportunity for businesses to let the public know - “Yes, We’re Open.” This business marketing campaign lists your business name, address, phone number and website in ads they print in the newspaper and their online directory.

Sign up NOW - visit SanDiegoUnionTribune.com/OpenForBusiness to fill out the form to list your business in print and online – FREE!

If you need help or questions - call Mary England 619-251-7730 and we will be glad to assist you!

April 20 - EMBR Dispensary Ribbon Cutting : 10:00 a.m. at 8300 Center Dr., La Mesa | Register

April 24 - San Diego Aesthetics & Med Spa Ribbon Cutting : Open House 3 p.m. - 8 p.m., “Official” ribbon cutting at 5 p.m. at 8710 La Mesa Blvd., La Mesa | Register

May 26 - Next Door Craft Beer & Wine Bar Ribbon Cutting : 5:30-7pm at 7235 El Cajon Blvd., San Diego, CA 92115 | Register

You are able to order food for “take out” and you may “pick up” meals at these restaurants. You may check the websites of these restaurants to see what food delivery services they use to make your dining experience easy and convenient.