In case you missed last week's e-blast: February 17 Eblast See more past email blasts here.

On Friday February 18th, our new Supervisor Nathan Fletcher visited La Mesa to meet several of our local businesses. Due to the recent re-districting within the County, La Mesa is now in District 4.   

His first visit was with the team at Brew Coffee Spot located at 6101 Lake Murray Blvd. He was witness to a full house of morning customers. The Supervisor interacted with members of the Brew team as well as customers sipping their morning java. We remind you to visit Brew Coffee Spot and support this local business and Chamber member.

The Supervisor then drove to Nonno’s Ristorante Italiano located at 5314 Baltimore Drive to meet owners Gerardo Ortiz and his wife Lisa. He was able to discuss the changes to his business model throughout the pandemic as well as how they are currently servicing their customers. To experience the finest traditional Italian meals paired with a large selection of fine wines, be sure and make a reservation at 619-337-9559 and meet Gerardo and Lisa personally.

The California Office of the Small Business Advocate has awarded $4,175,000 in funding to the County of San Diego for the Microbusiness COVID-19 Relief Grant Program. This program will provide grants of $2,500 to County of San Diego microbusiness owners who were in operation in 2019, still in operation, and were impacted by the COVID-19 public health restrictions.  

Some of the highlights are below:

We suggest that you go to the website sdivsbdc.org/county-of-san-diego-micro-business-grant-program-application/ to review ALL of the particulars of this funding.

If you’re like most people, you’re staring at an impressive pile of receipts for everything from clothing and gifts to groceries. Why not earn money for sharing those receipts?

Dozens of sites pay people to share details of their spending, why? Many of these companies are market research firms that aggregate spending data to give retailers insight into consumer spending patterns. Since they’re making money off your anonymized data, they share a bit of the wealth to encourage you to be forthcoming. These companies want to know about everything you buy - whether it’s fast food or sweaters.

Because each receipt-collecting company is after something slightly different, you can submit the same receipts to multiple sites and earn money from each. You’re likely to earn back pennies on the dollar spent – so double and triple dipping is wise. It’s worth mentioning that many companies operating in this space require some sort of pre-approval. These companies require you to either shop through their websites or go online to “unlock” or “claim” rewards before you buy.

Fetch Rewards – Fetch Rewards encourages users to upload receipts in exchange for points, which can later be exchanged for gift cards. You must upload receipts within 14 days of making a purchase. But you cannot upload more than 35 receipts in a seven-day period.

Receipt Hog – They provide “coins” for sharing receipts no matter where you shop and what you buy. There are bonus rewards available too. You’ll get 5 coins for retail receipts worth less than $10 and up to 20 coins for receipts that show you spent $100 or more. Each receipt also gets you entered a drawing where you could potentially win up to 5,000 coins.

Receipt Pal – This is a market research firm that pays you also in gift cards. The site’s payment formula is a little complex. 

The Shuttered Venue Operators Grant Program – created in response to the lengthy COVID-19 shutdown of live events that began in March 2020 - is proving to be a crucial and major source of relief funding for scores of San Diego County arts, cultural and tourism venues, organizations, and related businesses. The federal relief program provided nearly $200 million to 162 recipients across the county between June and late December. The biggest recipients include the US Midway Museum, the Zoological Society of San Diego and music talent booking agency Sound Talent Group. Each received $10 million to make up for lost revenues incurred by the pandemic shutdown. Close behind are the Belly-Up Tavern and the Old Globe Theatre, which received $8,085,115 and $8,000,001, respectively.  Of the nearly $200 million that has been disbursed here, approximately $92 million has gone to 63 venues, businesses, and organizations located in Rep. Scott Peters’ 52nd Congressional district. NOTE: The La Mesa Oktoberfest received $213,723.00. Source - The San Diego Union Tribune – George Varga.

The San Diego County Supervisors recently voted unanimously to approve an ordinance that will allow people to operate mini restaurants out of their house or condo. This operation will allow residents to cook, deliver, and serve food to customers. Home cooks will need to apply, earn a food safety Manager certificate, pass an initial inspection and undergo annual inspections. All home kitchen operator can serve up to 30 in person meals and 60 meals per week. This can be eat-in, taken-out or delivered meals. The San Diego County Department of Environmental Health and Quality will conduct regular inspections to confirm sanitation and refrigeration standards are being met and insure the health and safety of customers. Under the MEHKO’s ordinance, food may be stored in garages if properly stored in a refrigerator or freezer. In addition, meals must be prepared and sold the same day. They cannot be left in the refrigerator overnight.

General Motors is making the largest investment in company history in its home state of Michigan. They announced plans to spend nearly $7 billion to convert a factory to make electric pickups and build a new battery cell plant. The moves were announced recently in Lansing, Michigan. They will create up to 4,000 jobs and keep another 1,000 already employed at an underutilized assembly plant north of Detroit. The automaker plans to spend up to $4 billion converting and expanding its Orion Township assembly factory to make electric pickups and $1.5 billion to $2.5 billion building a third U.S. battery cell plant with a joint-venture partner in Lansing, Michigan. Photographer: Emily Elconin/Bloomberg via Getty Images

Construction projects on County Land must use skilled trained workers and pay them prevailing wages, the Board of Supervisors decided in a vote last week. Prevailing wages are set by the State to establish pay and benefits for public works projects based on compensation rates for similar work in the same area. The County’s action, called the Working Families Ordinance, on February 8 requires contractors for construction projects on County land to use skilled workers and pay prevailing wages on projects over $1 Million. It also requires employers on county leased land to provide paid sick leave and insure worker protections against retaliation.

A consultant’s report concluded that the changes would cost the County nearly $7 million out of $40 million in annual revenue for leased land because some businesses reported they would move if this passed. It also estimated a loss of $21.9 million in wages from displaced workers. Consultants also calculated those workers for businesses that remained on County land could expect wages increases totaling $6.3 million. Balancing those gains against the losses, the report projected a negative regional economic impact of $22.6 million. The Board will vote again to finalize the ordinance at the March 1st meeting, and it will go into effect 30 days later to be applicable to new and existing projects and contracts as they come up for renewal. Source - San Diego Union Tribune - Deborah Sullivan Brennan.

After getting sideswiped by the pandemic, in 2020 California’s auto market came back to life as sales figures rebounded. But the road ahead is still bumpy as global supply chains disruptions persist, resulting in fewer cars and trucks on dealer’s lots, which means higher prices for customers. Registrations for new vehicles for the Golden State totaled $1.86 million in 2021 according to numbers released last week by the California New Car Dealers Association. That’s a 13.3% increase over the previous year, when sales took a nosedive after the implementation of COVID-19 restrictions. In San Diego County, sales were up 16.3%. For perspective, registrations for new cars and trucks surpassed $2 million per year from 2015-2019. Economists with the New Car Dealer Association anticipate that this year’s sales will increase 3.8% to 1.93 million. Due to the pandemic, vehicle inventory has shrunk while consumer demand is just as high prior to the pandemic.

Sales for zero and low-emission vehicles keep rising across the state with combined registration of hybrids and electric vehicles accounting for 23.4%. Source - San Diego Union Tribune - Rob Nikolewski.

The La Mesa Chamber of Commerce welcomes San Diego Living Real Estate to our Chamber and our business community. To celebrate this new member, you are invited to an open house, mixer and ribbon cutting on Wednesday, February 23rd.

Join us as we welcome San Diego Living Real Estate to our Chamber and meet Jan Farley, Owner-Broker, and her team. Jan has held various positions and received awards in the real estate industry such as: 2018 was President, Pacific Southwest Association of Realtors, in 2019 recipient of the Broker of the Year, Pacific Southwest Association of Realtors, 2019 recipient, REAL awards (top 10%of REALTORS in all of San Diego County) and in 2021 served as Treasurer, Women’s Council of Realtors of Realtors, San Diego. Jan and her team have the expertise to assist you in all your real estate needs.

Bring your business cards and join us for great food and delicious beverages. To promote a healthy environment, this event is limited to the first 50 people that RSVP.

Time: 5-7 pm, Ribbon Cutting at 6pm

Location: 8504 La Mesa Blvd., La Mesa

On Wednesday, March 9th we will celebrate Deano’s Pub opening their new business in La Mesa and meet owners Dean and Erika Velasco at their mixer. They had a vision of taking the existing location, remodeling it, and turning it into a warm and friendly gathering place where everyone can feel welcome and have fun! Deano’s Pub is already the “talk of the town.” In addition to watching your favorite team on the big screen TV’s, listen to live music and enjoy Karaoke on Wednesday nights, Deano’s Pub is the perfect place to join friends and unwind after a busy day.

Just so you are aware, Karaoke begins at 7:00 p.m. so some of you “rising stars” may want to stay and show us your singing talent during that evening. To make the night extra special, Deano’s Pub is offering Happy Hour drink pricing, in addition to specialty drinks for your sipping pleasure. To add to this special night, they will be featuring delicious food from their neighbor, Nonno’s Ristorante Italiano. What could be better, than sampling delicious food AND sipping on refreshing beverages, while mixing and mingling with friends and businesses? The answer is – nothing! Join us and personally welcome them to our business community.

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

Location: 5286 Baltimore Drive in La Mesa

Don’t be left out – RSVP now so we know you will be joining us and prepare enough refreshments:

The popular Spring Fling Business Expo is finally scheduled for this year and offers members an opportunity to participate and share their goods and services with members, businesses and the public. We would love to see you there! We are making plans to celebrate all of you and the strength of our business community! Take a look at the information below and the link to download a registration form and make pans to join us!

Time: 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Where: Courtyard by Marriott San Diego El Cajon

141 N Magnolia Ave, El Cajon, CA 92020

Ticket Cost: $10

To reserve a display table, please contact Mary England at (619) 251-7730 or email maryengland@lamesachamber.com.

Driving for pay? The type of driving you do has a dramatic effect on what you earn, according to a new analysis from Gridwise. Indeed, the best driving gigs in any given city can pay almost twice as much as the lowest paying, a Gridwise analysis found. Gridwise is a smart phone app that works with Android and Apple Technology. It aims to help drivers earn more by aggregating statistics on pay, traffic and events in major cities. The app then directs drivers to the areas and times when they are likely to earn the most. Gridwise also tracks mileage and expenses to help drivers claim tax deductions and has partnered with AVIBRA to provide some insurance benefits. With more than 300,000 users, the app aggregates anonymized data on millions of transactions completed with dozens of ride share, grocery, food and parcel delivery companies around the country.

Parcel $26.32, Ride Share $24.22, Food $19.88, Grocery $17.65

Performances: Friday, February 25, 2022 - Sunday March 20, 2022

Fridays & Saturdays at 8pm, Sundays at 2pm

Directed by George Bailey

ON-LINE TICKETING: https://app.arts-people.com/index.php?show=127994

SYNOPSIS:  This poignant story is of an aging widow living with her son and daughter-in-law in a three room flat in Houston, Texas in 1953. Fearing her presence may be an imposition on others, Mrs. Watts believes that if she could only get back to Bountiful, her hometown, she would surely regain her strength, dignity, and peace of mind. The Trip to Bountiful follows Mrs. Watts through her physical and emotional journey home.

STARRING: Portia Gregory, Pete Zanko, Brooklynn Hoffman, Janet Taylor, Thomas Kilroy, Raymond Lynch and George Bailey.

www.lamplighterslamesa.com | Box Office Tel: (619) 303-5092 | boxoffice@lamplighterslamesa.com

Lamplighters Community Theatre is a qualified 501©(3) non-profit organization. Founded in June of 1937 as The La Mesa Little Theatre and incorporated as The Lamplighters Community Theatre on November 1, 1976, the theatre has now had continuous productions in La Mesa for 80 years. Serving the La Mesa and surrounding communities, 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 rental.

The cast and production team are available for interviews, and additional still images of the show can be provided. For more information, please contact: George Bailey at: cageomdgeo@yahoo.com.

Most DMV tasks can now be completed without visiting a field office! The DMV’s new and improved website offers a wide range of services, including vehicle registration renewals, driver’s license renewals, replacement sticker and registration card requests, and notice of transfer and release of liability. You can also complete your REAL ID application on the website before visiting a field office to save time spent in-person.

Many online services are self-serve, meaning you can complete them on your own from start to finish, while other services are “assisted,” meaning they are completed with the help of a DMV representative – but without a visit to an office. Customers can use the service advisor and chat function on the DMV website to learn their options for completing their DMV business.

Prefer not to complete transactions online? Visit a DMV Now kiosk, conveniently located throughout the state, or visit a DMV business partner where you can complete some selected transactions for a fee. You can find a complete list of kiosk locations and certified business partners on the DMV website.

Also, seniors 70 and older, previously required to visit a filed office to renew their driver’s license, can now renew online! The requirement has been waived until further notice so that seniors can complete transactions from the safety of their home.

As Californians continue to deal with the challenges arising from the coronavirus pandemic, the California DMV remains committed to the health and safety of its customers and employees across the state. Visit DMV.CA.GOV to learn more about taking care of your DMV tasks without visiting an office.

Small Business Stimulus Grant Funding is Available 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.

February 23 - San Diego Living Real Estate Open House & Ribbon Cutting : 5-7pm at 8504 La Mesa Blvd., La Mesa | Details/RSVP

March 9 - Deano's Pub Mixer : 5:30-7pm at 5286 Baltimore Dr., La Mesa | Details/RSVP

March 23 - "Spring Fling" Business Expo : 5-8pm at Courtyard by Marriott San Diego El Cajon | 141 N Magnolia Ave, El Cajon | Details/Buy Tickets

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

August 18 - "Summer Bash" Business Expo : 5-8pm at Courtyard by Marriott San Diego El Cajon | 141 N Magnolia Ave, El Cajon | Details/Buy Tickets

Commercial Real Estate

5565 Grossmont Center Dr.

La Mesa, CA 91942

858-549-2874