In case you missed last week's e-blast: August 15 E-blast

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.

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

Tickets: VIP: $60, 5-8pm |

General Admission: $40, 6-8pm

For details and to buy tickets, visit Taste.LaMesaChamber.com

Photos courtesy of: Sandra Small/ Photographer and www.CeCePhoto.com.

There is funding available and thanks to the San Diego East County Economic Development Council, we have the information categorized for you. Take a look!

Blo is North America's Original Blow Dry Bar. No cuts, no color: Just WASH BLO GO.

8806 Grossmont Blvd., La Mesa

(619) 825-7980 | www.blomedry.com | www.facebook.com/bloheartsusa | www.instagram.com/bloheartsyou

We are sharing an update from the California Department of Public Health’s Beyond the Blueprint for Industry and Business Sectors.

To reduce transmission of COVID-19 in Mega Events, Indoor Mega Events attendees are now required to provide fully vaccinated verification OR a verified COVID-19 negative test. Effective September 20, 2021, self-attestation may not be used to verify status as fully vaccinated or as proof of negative test. For Outdoor Mega Events, it is recommended not to use self-attestation to verify status as fully vaccinated or as proof of negative test result. Requirements and recommendations shall be effective until November 1, 2021.

We appreciate your continued commitment to protecting public health. If you have questions regarding this information or your operation, please contact our temporary event technicians at (858) 505‐6809 or email at fhdtempevents@sdcounty.ca.gov.

For updated information about COVID‐19, including resource documents such as frequently asked questions, informational posters, and guidance, please visit www.coronavirus‐sd.com. You can also text COSD COVID19 to 468-311 to get text alert updates or follow SDCountyHHSA on Facebook or @SDCountyHHSA on Twitter.

As part of the Livable La Mesa Age Friendly project, the City of La Mesa Community Relations and Veterans Commission will host a virtual and in-person forum on Wednesday, August 25 at 6:00 PM to share information and discuss hate crimes in California. In partnership with the La Mesa Police Department, La Mesa Conversations and the San Diego District Attorney Office, the event will cover what is considered a hate crime in California, how hate crimes differ from hate incidents and the current trends in San Diego County. Presenter Leonard Trinh is the Lead Hate Crime Prosecutor and a San Diego Deputy District Attorney. Questions, comments and suggestions are encouraged from residents as the City looks to increase awareness of hate crimes.

The event is being held in person at the La Mesa Adult Enrichment Center, 8450 La Mesa Blvd., La Mesa, CA, 91942 and will be streamed live on Facebook at “City of La Mesa – City Hall.”

For more information, to submit written questions, comments, or for help accessing the Adult Enrichment Center contact Meg Howell at mhowell@cityoflamesa.us or 619.667.1322 by noon on August 23, 2021.

Today, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the first COVID-19 vaccine. The vaccine has been known as the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine, and will now be marketed as Comirnaty (koe-mir’-na-tee), for the prevention of COVID-19 disease in individuals 16 years of age and older.

The vaccine also continues to be available under emergency use authorization (EUA), including for individuals 12 through 15 years of age and for the administration of a third dose in certain immunocompromised individuals.

CDC now recommends that people whose immune systems are compromised moderately to severely should receive an additional dose of mRNA COVID-19 vaccine after the initial 2 doses. Widespread vaccination is a critical tool to help stop the pandemic.

Read CDC’s statement on signing the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices' (ACIP) recommendation for an additional dose.

Up to 40,000 in grant funds for Black, low-to-medium income individuals and families to be applied toward a down payment and/or closing costs on a first home purchase. Visit the website for more information or contact an Urban League Housing Counselor: 619-266-6256 | sdul.org | housing@sdul.org.

PRONTO Transit Center Outreach 

(Aug. 2 - Aug. 31)

On September 1, MTS and NCTD will launch PRONTO, the new regional fare system that will make getting and paying for a fare more convenient. MTS is planning to host more than 50 outreach events at transit centers in August to distribute free PRONTO cards to users. Anyone with a PRONTO Card or the new PRONTO app is eligible for free rides on MTS in September.

The San Diego County District Attorney's Office is co-sponsoring Assembly Bill 364 which will protect all migrant workers, regardless of industry, from human trafficking. We need your help to convince lawmakers to pass the proposed legislation.

California attracts large numbers of temporary foreign workers for a wide variety of industries. Many temporary workers are recruited by third-party foreign labor contractors (FLCs), some of whom, engage in exploitive practices. To help prevent labor trafficking by FLCs, California law requires foreign labor contractors to be registered with the state Labor Commissioner, disclose specified information and deposit with the commissioner a bond for payment of any amount adjudicated against the foreign labor contractor.

Unfortunately, the current law does not apply to agricultural workers or farm labor contractors. AB 364(Rodriguez) aims to protect agricultural workers from being exploited by unscrupulous foreign labor contractors by closing this loophole, so that the same protections that currently apply to migrant workers in all other industries also apply to agricultural workers. AB 364 is currently in the Senate Appropriations Committee, Chaired by Senator Anthony Portantino. The bill must pass out of Senate Appropriations by August 26 in order to receive a full vote of the California Senate. AB 364 is co-sponsored by the San Diego County District Attorney's Office.

Let's go back to the 50's for a joint mixer with the La Mesa Chamber! Join us at the 50s Diner inside Lantern Crest Senior Living's newest building, The Plaza!

This Members-Only event has limited registration so sign up today. Lantern Crest will host appetizers, beer and wine!

Wednesday, September 15th from 4:30 - 6:30 p.m.

Lantern Crest Senior Living

300 Lantern Crest Way, Santee, CA 92071

​Parking available all around The Plaza building.

Cost: FREE - Members of the Santee Chamber and La Mesa Chamber only

Photos courtesy of: Sandra Small/ Photographer

We are happy to announce that we are finally going to get together at The Hills Local Pub!. Each year we have a mixer at his popular local “gathering spot” and we are thrilled to have set the date for this year. Enjoy great hors d’ oeuvres and Happy Hour pricing on beverages and specialty drinks, beer and soft drinks. Join us and meet the staff of The Hills and get reacquainted with this great team. The owners Ben, Marco, Joe, and Jason have created this hip, casual watering hole that has become a favorite of locals and people throughout the region. These dynamic men have the drive and determination to support the local economy, as well as hold charitable events, birthday parties and other celebrations.

Be sure to make plans to join us and bring your business cards while you mix and mingle! The Chamber will hold a raffle throughout the evening! Don’t miss out on the fun!

Time: 5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Location: 8758 La Mesa Boulevard in La Mesa

Cost: Chamber Members $10 | Guests $15 | At Door $20

Join us and welcome New Member Rogue Salon and enjoy delicious food & beverages!

Time: 5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Official Ribbon Cutting at 6 p.m.

Location: Rogue Salon

7520 El Cajon Blvd., #300, La Mesa

Meet Tami and her staff and find out why they are a group of dedicated professionals that want to make you “Look Great and Feel Amazing.”

Governor Newsom announced the state’s new Employer Vaccination Toolkit, which will create a new process for employers to request a workplace clinic or local provider partner, making COVID-19 vaccines even more accessible for their employees.

The Employer Vaccination Toolkit provides employers with vaccine education materials, information on COVID-19 Supplemental Paid Sick Leave and other guidance for employees, and an online form to request vaccination support.

Employers interested in requesting group appointments at nearby providers, or setting up a mobile or pop-up vaccination clinic at their workplace, must complete an online form. A representative will follow up within three business days, and requests will be filled as resources allow. There is no financial cost to the employer.

Concerns have been expressed in the past that East County has not received enough opportunity to provide input. This is your chance!

This Thursday, August 26, 5:30 pm at the Ronald Reagan Community Center, the County of San Diego Independent Redistricting Commission’s Public Hearing to discuss the county’s redistricting process.

Your input is needed to help the Commissioners redraw existing County Supervisorial district lines!

For ZOOM info and to learn more, visit here: www.sandiegocounty.gov/redistricting

The County of San Diego receives approximately $12 million annually in federal entitlement funding for housing and community development. How would you like to see this money spent in our community?

The County of San Diego Housing and Community Development Services is hosting a community forum to gather feedback about the Community Development Block Grants and other federal entitlement programs that provide funding to improve our communities. Additionally, County staff will provide information about eligible projects, the annual application process, and requirements for implementation. Community Development Block Grant applications will open on September 7, 2021.

The Annual Plan covers four federal entitlement programs:

Due to current public health orders, this year’s Annual Plan Community Meeting will be hosted on the WebEx platform. County of San Diego Housing and Community Development Services staff will be hosting two more virtual community forum sessions:

Each session will be the same, so interested participants need only to join one of the meetings. Details on how to join each session are shared at the bottom of this email. All San Diego County community members are welcome to share their ideas, so please share the word with your stakeholders and constituents!

We recognize that WebEx may be an unfamiliar platform for many of you. We have attached detailed instructions to access the sessions below this email. We recommend shutting off your emails and other applications to optimize your WebEx experience. A computer headset is also recommended if you are in a shared space. If you have any questions or concerns please contact Sarah Snook Brunson by email at sarahsnook.brunson@sdcounty.ca.gov or by phone at 619-346-3375.

Wednesday, August 25, 2021, from 5-6pm

Session number: 177 209 9991

Session password: HCDS

To join the Virtual Community Meeting 1. Go to the link listed under your desired session above. 2. Enter your name and email address. 3. Enter the session password: HCDS 4. Click "Join Now". 5. Follow the instructions that appear on your screen. To join the meeting by phone only To receive a call back, provide your phone number when you join the training session, or call the number below and enter the session number. US Toll:+1-415-655-0001

This has been a tough week in the water world. On Monday, the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation announced the first formal shortages on the Colorado River for 2022. That will directly impact Arizona, Nevada and Mexico next year. On Tuesday, the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California’s Board of Directors increased its drought alert level – another signal of the serious situation faced by residents across the western U.S.

Declining water availability on the Colorado River and worsening drought conditions statewide underscore the importance of collective actions to ensure reliable water supplies not only for today, but for next year and for future generations. Thankfully, the San Diego region has prepared for dry periods and our water supplies will continue to sustain our economy and quality of life.

At the same time, we are working with our partners at the regional, state, and federal levels to advance water management solutions for the Southwest because we realize that we are all in this together.

The quickest way to help defeat drought is to eliminate water waste at homes and businesses, and we stand with MWD and Governor Newsom in supporting voluntary water-use efficiencies. There are several ways to do that: checking irrigation systems for leaks and repairing them quickly; keeping chilled water in the fridge instead of running the tap to let it cool; keeping showers to 5 minutes or fewer; applying mulch around plants to reduce evaporation.

With those steps and others, we will emerge from this drought stronger together. Thank you for joining with us in this effort. For more information, resources, rebates and tips, go to www.watersmartsd.org.

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:

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.

Here is the Small Business Stimulus Grant package and the link: tinyurl.com/smallbizstimulusgrant

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.

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!

Survey: tinyurl.com/lamesabizsurvey2021

The 84th Season begins with "The Front Porch" by local San Diego playwright, George Bailey

During the fall of 1967, Clara, a white widow, stubbornly refuses her daughter's insistence she move from her home due to increasing racial tensions throughout the country and because her new neighbors are African-American. Although both Clara and Janelle Johnson's family are a bit apprehensive about each other at first, they develop a friendly relationship. When Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. is assassinated in the spring of 1968, tensions explode throughout the city and both families are caught in the middle of a race riot. Through their shared experiences; they come to appreciate and value their neighborhood, community and each other by confronting their fears and prejudices. They become true friends.

DIRECTOR: George Bailey RODUCER: Patty Fay & Pam Stompoly-Ericson

CAST: Michelle Burkhart, JaVon Clarke, Jo-Darlene Reardon & Januari Simpson

SHOW DATES: September 3, 2021 through September 26, 2021

CURTAIN TIMES:    Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 PM & Sunday matinees at 2:00 PM

TICKETS: https://app.arts-people.com/index.php?show=127989

RESERVATIONS: Purchase tickets online at www.lamplighterslamesa.com

or reserve through the Box Office by phone (619) 303-5092

or email boxoffice@lamplighterslamesa.com

Lamplighters 84th season begins with this play by a local San Diego playwright. Lamplighters Community Theatre is located in the La Mesa Village Station Center at the corner of Severin Drive and Amaya Drive. There is plenty of free parking in the shopping center lot. Lamplighters Community Theatre is a qualified 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Lamplighters produces six season productions a year. Between the regular season productions, we also support special events, one-act shows, and our theater space is available for rent.

August 30 - "Taste of San Diego - East" : 5-8pm at Town and Country San Diego in Mission Valley | Details/Buy Tickets

September 15 - Joint Mixer at Lantern Crest with La Mesa and Santee Chambers : 4:30-6:30pm at Lantern Crest Senior Living | 300 Lantern Crest Way, Santee, CA 92071 | Details/RSVP

September 21 - Evening Mixer at The Hills Local Pub : 5:30-7pm at The Hills Local Pub | 8758 La Mesa Boulevard, La Mesa | Details/RSVP

September 22 - Rogue Salon Ribbon Cutting : 5:30-7pm at Rogue Salon | 7520 El Cajon Blvd., Suite 300 | Details/RSVP

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