In case you missed last week's e-blast: May 6 Eblast See more past email blasts here.

The La Mesa Chamber is hosting “Shop and Dine La Mesa” on Saturday May 21 at The Marketplace at Lake Murray Village (NE corner of Baltimore and Lake Murray Blvd-Vons Shopping Center) between the hours of 11 am and 4 pm. This is a free event to the public.  We will have an area for members to have display tables for their business, canopies etc. “Shop and Dine La Mesa” is a pilot program presented in partnership with the County of San Diego. It allows the Chamber to spotlight businesses within La Mesa through a Grant Program. We will have entertainment that day for families including face painting, balloon artists, bubble blowing, a spinner game for prizes and more. This is a great opportunity for our businesses to come out and meet the public to present your goods and services for free. Please let us know as soon as possible as the spaces are offered on a first come first serve basis and we encourage you to take advantage of this. Please click here (tinyurl.com/shopdineform) to download the registration form and register now!

We thank Debra Rosen from the North San Diego Business Chaber for providing us this information. We have joined her on this issue and others that impact local businesses and the VMT is one that has dramatic negative impacts on our businesses, residents and all familes throughout the area. Below is a memo from the County of San Diego regarding the process on this important subject. As always we will keep you informed and continue to follow this important issue. 

We wanted to update you on our progress to implement the Board of Supervisors (Board) direction related to vehicle miles traveled (VMT). As directed by the Board on February 9, 2022, staff have prepared a revised Transportation Study Guide (TSG) for VMT that establishes a VMT threshold using the regional average, which includes the entire San Diego region, including the incorporated cities.

The Board also directed staff to identify Infill and General Plan Village areas within or near potential “transit opportunity areas” where no VMT analysis or mitigation would be required, excluding any areas designated as High and Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones. Projects located within infill areas would not have to analyze VMT or propose mitigation for VMT but would require environmental review pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) for other topic areas.

The Board also directed that the previously prepared Local Mobility Analysis for discretionary projects would be used to evaluate road operations, safety, and access. This has been reduced from the previous type of traffic analysis done based on Level of Service prior to the implementation of SB 743, the law requiring VMT analysis, in that the area evaluated is limited to a few intersections around the project with the primary focus of safety and not traffic. 

To implement the Board’s direction, the TSG requires a 30-day public review period. The TSG will be available for public review beginning on Thursday, May 12, 2022 to Monday, June 13, 2022. Comments on the proposed Transportation Study Guide must be received no later than June 13, 2022 at 4:00 p.m. (a 30 day public review period). Staff will be conducting outreach leading up to and during the public review of the TSG and are available to meet and answer any questions you may have regarding VMT or the TSG. Stakeholders who wish to request a meeting with County staff, can contact Bruno Cavalieri at bruno.galvaocavalieri@sdcounty.ca.gov or 619-323-8864.

Staff will also be holding a public meeting regarding the TSG on Tuesday, May 24, 2022 at 6PM, at the County Operations Center Chambers, 5520 Overland Avenue, San Diego, CA 92123. Staff will also be hosting a virtual meeting on June 1, 2022 at 6PM. Information regarding the virtual meeting is available on the website herewith. SB 743.

Following the 30-day public review period, staff will present the TSG to the Planning Commission and then return to the Board for consideration and adoption in August of this year. 

For more information regarding VMT or to view the infill area maps or minute order from the Board meeting, visit: SB 743.

If you have any questions, or if you would like to request language services other than English or Spanish for the upcoming workshop, please contact Bruno Cavalieri at bruno.galvaocavalieri@sdcounty.ca.gov or at the following phone number: 619-323-8864.  

Shawndie Smith is excited to host another Taco Tuesday at her business THOUGHTFUL CREATIONS located at 8270 La Mesa Blvd. #101 on Tuesday May 17th 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, May 17th

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

Where: 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

Register online or email: rsvp@lamesachamber.com.

National Public Works Week: Ready and Resilient

May 15-21, 2022

Every year, during the third week of May, we take time to honor our Public Works professionals; The men and women who keep our parks clean, our roads maintained, and other important functions that ensure we have a good quality of life in La Mesa.

This year, the American Public Works Association announced "Ready & Resilient" as the theme for the 2022 National Public Works Week poster. Our Public Works professionals show up for work always READY to serve our communities and RESILIENT as ever in their abilities to pick themselves up after encountering challenges.

We would like to thank our amazing Public Works staff for all their hard work and dedication to serving our residents. For more information on the National Public Works Week celebration, please visit npww.apwa.net.

Homeless Outreach & Mobile Engagement (HOME) Going the Extra Mile

This month, the HOME Team met a need that opened the door to providing services for a person experiencing homelessness.

After sharing their struggle to access their Social Security Funds, the HOME Team offered to accompany the person to the La Mesa Social Security Administration offices to offer assistance.

In addition to offering assistance with the Social Security Administration, the HOME Team was able to provide a wheelchair, as the person had difficulty walking.

While at the Social Security Administration, the HOME Team assisted the person with communicating their needs and outlining a plan of action for this person to access their entitlement. Afterwards, the HOME Team provided food, water, and clothing. The HOME Team will continue meeting with this person to help them achieve their goals.

Meeting this need and many similar acts of compassion showcase the successful process the HOME Team utilizes to build trust with people.

For more information on the HOME Team, please click here.

Traffic Advisory - Gateside Road Now 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.

Quarterly Community Engagement Report

Engaging residents, businesses and other stakeholders is a top priority for the City of La Mesa.

Since La Mesa City Council adopted the 2021-2023 Community Engagement Plan (CEP) on January 26, 2021, the City Manager's Office (CMO) has made significant strides in implementing the plan's goals. During the unprecedented events of 2020, cities had to reimagine the role of communications in the public sector.

As the City has made significant strides in delivering on a customer service "culture of yes," timely communications to stakeholders underscores the need for an effective CEP and related efforts to amplify the work being done at City Hall and overall responsiveness to residents' issues and concerns.

To read the quarterly report, please click here.

May is National Drowning Prevention Month

With warmer temperatures here and summer just around the corner, we want to remind our residents to learn about water safety. Simple habits that can prevent drowning accidents.

One in five children 14 and under die from drowning accidents so having a designated adult watching swimmers is a good way to be proactive.  

Childhood drowning can be eliminated because we know that childhood drowning is 100% preventable.

THINGS TO REMEMBER

• Never leave a child alone near a pool or spa, bathtub, pond, toilet, a bucket of liquid, or any standing water.
• Do not allow children to play near the pool or spa.
• Empty wading pools immediately after use and store upside-down.

For more information on drowning prevention, please click here.

Wildfire Awareness Week

During Wildfire Awareness Week, the County of San Diego Office of Emergency Services reminds us that our region is no stranger to wildfires, flooding, earthquakes, and other disasters.

While we can’t predict when disasters will strike, there are steps we can take today to be prepared.

As a resident of La Mesa, you play an important role in emergency preparedness and building resilience within our community. Please click here for tips on developing your personal disaster plan.

To learn more about wildfire safety and preparedness, visit readysandiego.org.

La Mesa Walks!

Summer is just around the corner, and the weather is perfect to get out and hit your step goal.

Every Wednesday at 9 a.m., you can explore a different part of "The Jewel of The Hills" with La Mesa Walks! May walks include starting points at four different parks to help you see all that La Mesa has to offer. No registration or fee is required for these weekly staff led walks.

For more information about La Mesa Walks! and the City's Urban Trails, visit cityoflamesa.us/urbantrails.

Summer Camps and Classes

Summer camp and class registration is open now.

We have a variety of programs offered for all ages.

Registration is open online at www.cityoflamesa.us/register.

May 21, 2022 | 4:00 - 6:00 | 21+ Only

The event will include a display and sales of artwork from local artists, appetizers, drinks, and entertainment by the Rolf Olsen Jazz Quartet.

Tickets are $25 | Tickets to the event can be purchased at www.lamesaparks.org. 

Artists are encouraged to submit artwork on canvas to be showcased at the

"Art in the Park" fundraiser! Nature-themed artwork is due by May 18 to the

La Mesa Park & Recreation Foundation. For guidelines go to the Events page. 

Proceeds help support free events in La Mesa parks. Questions can be emailed to friends@lamesaparks.org or call 619.667.1319.

A Step-by-Step Process to a WaterSmart Landscape 

Using water efficiently is a way of life and an important responsibility in San Diego County’s beautiful Mediterranean climate. WaterSmart landscaping rethinks the way limited water resources can be used by making smart choices to reduce outdoor water use.

California Prepares for Energy Shortfalls in Hot, Dry Summer

California likely will have an energy shortfall equivalent to what it takes to power about 1.3 million homes when use is at its peak during the hot and dry summer months, state officials said Friday. Threats from drought, extreme heat and wildfires, plus supply chain and regulatory issues hampering the solar industry will create challenges for energy reliability this summer, the officials said. 

DNA-Based Water Testing System Launched for San Diego Beaches

The San Diego Union-Tribune - May 9 - San Diego County has started using new ocean water-quality testing technology intended to produce faster results and earlier warnings when bacteria reach unhealthy levels. During a rollout of the DNA-based technology last week, county Board of Supervisors Vice Chairwoman Nora Vargas said the county plans to expand its use of the testing technology, known as droplet digital polymerase chain reaction, or ddPCR, to more than 70 miles of shoreline that the county samples and tests to help protect the public.

When you use energy matters, especially if you are on an SDG&E pricing plan that has a Reduce Your Use event day component. This is when customers may be asked to reduce their energy use between certain hours to help ease the strain on the power grid.

Effective June 1, 2022, Reduce Your Use hours are changing from the previous hours of 2 p.m. – 6 p.m. to the new hours of 4 p.m. – 9 p.m. When a Reduce Your Use event is called, the price of electricity from 4 p.m. – 9 p.m. will significantly increase. If you’re not able to reduce your energy use during these hours, it may impact your monthly bill. 

If you are on an SDG&E Reduce Your Use pricing plan, it is important that your communication preferences are up to date. You will receive notifications when a Reduce Your Use event day is called and it is time to conserve. Up to 18 events can be called per year. 

Not sure if you are on a pricing plan with a Reduce Your Use component? Sign into My Account on myaccount.sdge.com to review your pricing plan and find ways to save. You can also sign up for energy use alerts and notifications. 

May 17 - "Taco Tuesday" Mixer : 5:30-7pm at Thoughtful Creations | 8270 La Mesa Blvd. #101 in La Mesa | Details/RSVP

FEATURED! May 21 - "Shop & Dine La Mesa" : 11am-4pm at The Marketplace at Lake Murray Village | 5550-5680 Lake Murray Blvd. | Details

June 4 - La Mesa Flag Day Parade | 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 21 - "Taco Tuesday" Mixer : 5:30-7pm at Thoughtful Creations | 8270 La Mesa Blvd. #101 in La Mesa

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 : 5-8pm 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.