In case you missed last week's email blast, see it here: March 29 Eblast

On April 2 California cleared the way for people to attend indoor concerts, theater performances and NBA games for the first time in more than a year as the rate of people testing positive for the coronavirus in the state nears a record low. Here are California’s new rules on indoor live events or performances beginning April 15, for venues with a capacity of up to 1,500 people:

Here are the state’s new rules on private events or meetings like wedding receptions or conferences beginning April 15:

The new rules seem to nudge California toward a system of vaccine verification, a hotly debated issue across the country. California’s new rules come as the state has administered nearly 19 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccines. Nearly 6.9 million people are fully vaccinated in a state with close to 40 million residents. Only people 50 and over are eligible statewide to get the vaccine now, followed by those 16 and older on April 15.

Correction: This story has been corrected to clarify that California won’t require testing or proof of vaccination for many, but not all events.

The California Park & Recreation Society (CPRS) announced at its annual conference held virtually this month that Ed and Sandy Burr were recipients of the organization’s 2020 Champion of the Community Service Award of Excellence. The award honors individuals or organizations who have contributed significant effort to influence and improve the quality of their community through parks and recreation. This statewide award recognizes the contributions of those who volunteer and/or provide support and services that furthers the mission and quality delivery of park and recreation services, programs and facilities.

As a prominent business family in La Mesa, the Burrs have made many personal and financial commitments to La Mesa and surrounding communities. After entering the waste collection industry in 1954 as the owner/operator of a single truck, they developed EDCO and its sister company Burrtec Waste industries into one of the largest family-owned and operated waste collection and recycling firms in the United States. EDCO’s commitment to the environment is displayed by investment in Southern California’s newest comingled recycling facility and a new state-of-the-art anaerobic digestion plant for post-consumer food and green waste, in addition to operating near zero-waste Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) powered collection fleet.

Under Ed’s leadership as a founding board member, the La Mesa Park and Recreation Foundation was established in 1999 to facilitate quality projects and programs that provide activities to strengthen community and family bonds and foster pride in La Mesa parks. The Foundation granted more than $1 million towards their first capital project, the development of the 23-acre joint use sports complex located on the grounds of Parkway Middle School, now known as the Junior Seau Sports Complex. The Burrs were also co-chairs of a recent Sharp Grossmont Hospital capital campaign and donated $5 million toward its new heart care facility, now named the Burr Heart and Vascular Center, in recognition of their generous gift - the largest in the hospital’s history.

The County of San Diego Independent Redistricting Commission (IRC) invites your participation in an Industry Day virtual meeting, in anticipation of the upcoming procurement for demographic consulting and mapping services. The Industry Day is an opportunity to provide input and feedback on the demographic consulting and mapping services needed to assist the IRC in the process of redrawing supervisorial districts, known as redistricting.

See the flyer for meeting instructions and additional details on procurement documents.

The IRC’s goal is to reach as many residents of the County as possible to participate in the redistricting process for the County of San Diego.

The County and IRC reserves the right to use, without restriction, any information provided. Please note that all information provided may be subject to disclosure under the California Public Records Act.

To request live language interpretation, individuals should call (619) 409-3003 or send email to redistricting@sdcounty.ca.gov at least 24 hours in advance of the meeting.

A cozy little bar with a living room setting and an outdoor patio, serving a top-notch selection of craft beer and wine. Next door is exactly what its name implies – a casual, comfortable gathering place for neighbors to come together. Offering a wide selection of local craft beers and wine in a cozy living room setting (or – just been added – an outdoor patio!) is what we provide. We are the perfect place for a girls’ night, a quiet date, a business meeting or a private party. Come on in… We’d love to meet you!

7235 El Cajon Blvd., San Diego, CA 92115 | (619) 535-0365 | nextdoorsandiego.com

Wednesday, May 26th at 5:30pm

7235 El Cajon Blvd., San Diego, CA 92115

Happy Hour prices & hors' douvres served

RSVP required and limited to the first 30 people: rsvp@lamesachamber.com or register online.

8300 Center St., La Mesa, CA 91942

Join us in welcoming EMBR Dispensary!

8300 Center Street, La Mesa 91942

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

RSVP required and limited to the first 30 people: rsvp@lamesachamber.com or RSVP online

Make TownPlace Suites San Diego Downtown your home for extended stays near the Gaslamp Quarter, Balboa Park and is close to popular attractions such as the San Diego Zoo and the Air and Space Museum. A close walk to concerts, dance performances, the opera at the San Diego Civic Theatre that are only one-half mile away. The hotel sits near the I-5 freeway, less than two miles from the San Diego Convention Center, Petco Park, Little Italy and more.

The hotel provides a FREE hot breakfast each morning of eggs, waffles, oatmeal, yogurt and other healthy options. Sip craft beers and cocktails on the vibrant outdoor patio of the Fourteen45, hotel bar. The downtown suites feature an urban-inspired fitness center, with a kitchen or kitchenette with a microwave and stovetop. Choose between suites with two queen beds or a single king bed, including King Suites with an extra sofa bed. Stay in comfort at TownePlace Suites San Diego Downtown.

1445 Sixth Ave., San Diego, CA 92101 | (619) 782-6400 | www.marriott.com

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.

Well-known technology contest organizer XPRIZE named five winning teams in its $6 million Rapid COVID Testing competition over a week ago and three of them are from San Diego County. ChromaCode and Reliable-LFC, both of Carlsbad, were joined by the La Jolla Institute for Immunology as local winners in the challenge, which aimed to spark development of “radically affordable,” accurate COVID testing platforms with turnaround times of no more than 12 hours from sample to result.

Each winner is guaranteed $500,000. They will receive an additional $500,000 over the next few months if they hit milestones for mass-producing their COVID-19 tests. Moreover, a $50 million venture capital fund called the COVID Apollo Project has pledged to work with XPRIZE Foundation and others to bring testing innovations to market. The fund includes seasoned life sciences investors such as RA Capital and Bain Capital.

Launched last summer, the XPRIZE Rapid COVID Testing competition attracted about 700 applicants. The field was narrowed to 20 finalists in December. XPRIZE, based in Los Angeles, has put on large-scale contests for years to foster technology breakthroughs. Some of its best-known competitions include the $10 million Ansari XPRIZE and the $20 million Goggle Lunar XPRIZE, both of which sparked private industry to pursue space travel. Qualcomm sponsored the $10 million Tricorder XPRIZE to develop a hand-held diagnostic device akin to the fictional tricorder of Star Trek fame. The technology developed for the Rapid COVID Testing competition can be adapted  easily to detect future viruses. And testing will likely continue to track COVID mutations, particularly if a variant emerges that’s resistant to vaccines. Reliable-LFC was founded in 2020 to address the COVID-19 pandemic. Its test produces results in 10 minutes. Reliable was the only XPRIZE winner that uses antigen technology. Today, about 1.7 million tests per day are performed in the U.S., while experts have called for as many 35 million tests a day to gain the upper hand on the virus. Source: The San Diego Union Tribune – Mike Freeman.

The number of San Diego County residents who have received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine passed 1 million Sunday as dozens of clinics across the region continue to ramp up their vaccination efforts. It is important to note that San Diego’s vaccination campaign has prioritized senior citizen and people with underlying health conditions, so those  who have received vaccines are a strategically targeted group of 1 million people. County officials say more than 600,000 people are fully vaccinated, meaning they have received either one does of Johnson & Johnson vaccine or two doses of either the Moderna or Pfizer vaccines. Roughly 38 percent of the county’s 3.34 million residents have received at least one dose, and more than 22 percent are fully vaccinated, according to the San Diego County Health Human Services Agency. Those numbers are expected to increase sharply in coming weeks with people 50 and up becoming eligible last Thursday, and people ages 16 and up becoming eligible April 15. Nearly 19 million vaccine doses have been given state-wide and California expects to receive 2.4 million total doses this week – a 33 percent spike from two weeks ago. Source: The San Diego Union Tribune – David Garrick.

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.

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought overwhelming grief to many families. At FEMA, their mission is to help people before, during and after disasters. They are dedicated to helping ease some of the financial stress and burden caused by the virus.

Under the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act 2021 and the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, FEMA will provide financial assistance for COVID-19 related funeral expenses incurred after January 20, 2020.

FEMA will begin accepting applications for funeral Assistance on Monday, April 12, 29021 though the dedicated call center: 844-684-6333 - TTY: 800-462-7585. Hours of operation: Monday Friday 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Central Time.

To be eligible for funeral assistance, you must meet these conditions:

COVID-19 Funeral Assistance Line - Applications begin April 12, 2021:

844-684-6333 – TTY: 800-462-7585

Hours of Operation: Mon–Fri - 8am to 8pm Central Time

If you had COVID-19 funeral expenses, you are encouraged to keep and gather documentation.

Types of information should include:

Americans will be getting extra time to prepare their taxes. The Internal Revenue Service says it is delaying the traditional tax filing deadline from April 15 until May 17. The move provides more breathing room for taxpayers and the IRS alike, to cope with changes brought on by the pandemic.  

The decision postpones when individual taxpayers must file their return and when their payment is due. The IRS said taxpayers who owe money would not face any further penalties or interest if they pay by May 17. The new deadline also applies to individuals who pay self-employment tax. 

Taxpayers do not need to take any action to take advantage of the new deadline. Those who need more time beyond May 17 can request an extension until October 15. Additionally, the extension gives the IRS time to issue guidance on recent tax law changes. The American Rescue Plan excludes the first $10,200 of unemployment benefits from federal taxes for those making less than $150,000. The IRS continues to urge people to file as soon as possible, particularly those who are owed refunds. In some cases, filing will help taxpayers more quickly get any remaining relief payments they are entitled to. Source: The San Diego Union Tribune – Associated Press.

Union Bank is returning to its Spring Street site in the downtown Village, a symbolic step forward for La Mesa after a challenging 2020. Operating since 1996 at 4771 Spring Street, Union Bank, next-door neighbor Chase Bank and the historic Randall Lamb building across the street on Palm Avenue were torched during the violent aftermath of a demonstration for social justice last May. For nearly nine months customers were diverted to other Union Bank sites. Union Bank was committed to serve La Mesa customers at the spring Street site and in January, Union Bank opened a temporary structure with an ATM to serve customers on the bank’s property. The Union Bank trailer is located near an alleyway on a 1.58-acre site that sits between Spring Street and Palm and Allison Streets.

The City Council recently ratified the Design Review Board’s approval of the rebuilding plans for a new Union Bank. David Sudderth, Managing Director, head of Corporate Real Estate for Union Bank, said construction will start this summer with the new branch complete at the end of this year. This new building, a single-story, 4,864-square foot building will be situated on the west side of the property. Union Bank is keeping the east half of the site as a parking lot, though there has scuttlebutt that the lot may be turned into other kinds of development, which include a pocket park. Nothing has been shared at the moment other than plans for the bank and continued lease of its parking spots to other local businesses. Source: The San Diego Union Tribune - Karen Pearlman.

Sycuan Casino Resort opened its Retreat pool and cabanas for their 2021 pool season. San Diego’s largest outdoor dining patio and the only poolside gaming venue is now awaiting visitors. 

The Retreat will be open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. with a limited number of day passes will be available online and on-site at Sycuan. All health protocols that have been in place will continue to be enforced to ensure a safe environment. Upon entering the venue, guests must check in at the host and will be escorted by a host to access their chair, daybed or cabana. Poolside chairs and daybeds have adequate physical distancing between guests. Retreat features an expansive pool deck with two pools, a swim-up bar, lazy river, hot tubs, poolside gaming and full-service Pool Bar & Grill. Additionally, Retreat’s popular poolside entertainment and events are slated to return - Dive In Movie Night on Fridays and a brand new concept Saturday Night Swim on Saturdays – these upcoming events will be announced soon. Please note, guests must be 21 years or older to access the pool grounds. 

The number of unemployment applications filed in California in February were from people that who had been laid off earlier in the pandemic, gone back to work, and been laid off again, according to California Policy Lab, a research organization.

Despite a deadly pandemic closing its theme parks for a year, Walt Disney Co. has been charting a course for its future by announcing plans to upgrade and renovate its Anaheim resort with new attractions, shops and restaurants within its existing 490-acre footprint. The plan, dubbed Disneyland Forward, is short on details, but Disney officials made clear they want to squeeze new attractions, shops and eateries into underdeveloped areas of the existing resort, specifically around two Disneyland hotels west of the theme parks and on the site of a parking lot east of the resort. Disney officials emphasized that they have no plans to ask for any public funding to support the project and do not envision adding a third theme park to the resort. The resort, which opened in 1955, generates about $8.5 billion in economic impact annually and supports more than 78,000 jobs in Southern California, according to a study by Cal State Fullerton. Source: The San Diego Union Tribune – Hugo Martin.

Google, which first opened a satellite office in San Diego about five years ago, stated on March 18th that it is modestly boosting the size of its footprint in the city. The Mountain View-based search engine giant confirmed it has leased two additional floors in its existing four-story office building in San Diego. That means it now occupies the entire building, which total about 110,000 square feet. Googles growth plan for San Diego is part of the larger pledge to invest more than $1 billion in sites across California this year to spur economic recovery coming out of the pandemic. The company employs about 52,000 workers across the state, with 3,000 of them in the Southern California region. Source: The San Diego Union Tribune – Mike Freeman

More than a year after closing due to the pandemic, the theme parks at the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim are scheduled to open on April 30th with limited capacity and restrictions on some attractions. The resort also plans to reopen its hotels in phases, with Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa set to reopen on April 29, Disney Vacation Club Villas at the Grand Californian on May 2, and Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel and the Disneyland Hotel at a later date, the park announced on its website.

Since the park closed in March 2020, Disney executives, elected officials and the business community have been urging the Governor to allow parks to reopen to help struggling businesses that rely on tourists who visit the parks. Under the state guidelines, the parks will be limited to 15% of total capacity. If virus cases continue to drop in the theme park area, they may qualify to enter a less restrictive tier and the cap can rise to 25% and then to 35% upon reaching the most lenient tier. Only in-state visitors will be allowed in the parks and Disneyland will enforce that park goers submit a California address and Zip code online when buying tickets. The biggest challenge is now rehiring and training thousands of workers to reopen the parks and enforce the new safety guidelines. Disneyland plans to recall about 10,000 workers. Source: The San Diego Union Tribune – Hugo Martin. 

San Diego County unemployment dropped to 7.2 percent in February, down from 8.1 percent the previous month, as COVID-19 restrictions eased on bars and restaurants. State labor officials reported on March 26th that jobless rates improved throughout California, which happened shortly after the Governor lifted the stay-at-home order in late January. 

The February rate in San Diego County was substantially higher than the 3.2 percent rate at the same time last year – a month before the start of the crisis. The low point of the pandemic was in April when the jobless rate hit 15.9 percent. The region has lost about 132,300 jobs in 12 months. 

From January to February in San Diego County, 12,400 positions were added in restaurants, bars and other food services. On January 25, the governor announced the end of strict restrictions, which allowed for restaurants to resume outdoor dining. Despite the bump in February, San Diego’s leisure and hospitality sector – which includes bars and restaurants, as well as tourism – has lost the most jobs of any category. The category was down by 66,100 jobs in a year, as of February, about half of all jobs lost. Ray Major, chief economist at the San Diego Association of Government, recently said in a report about the roughly $10 billion losses in the region that tourism should be a focus of rebuilding efforts. The reasoning is that other industries could bounce back easier, but tourism was decimated. Source: The San Diego Union Tribune – Phillip Molnar.

Legoland which was forced to shut down a year ago because of the pandemic, reopened on April 1st. The park’s strategy is to start with a limited reopening, which will include access to select rides and attractions for a priority group of Legoland hotel guests, annual passholders and existing ticketholders who were impacted when the park closed. A wider reopening for the general public is planned for April 15, when the park will open Sea Life Aquarium and Chima Water Park. Under the new guidelines theme parks are limited to 15 percent capacity in counties that are in the red tier, which San Diego officially entered last week. Only in-state visitors will be allowed, indoor dining will be prohibited, and visitors will have to buy their tickets online. Source: The San Diego Union Tribune – Lori Weisberg.

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)

Be a part of this unique opportunity to participate in the La Mesa Park & Recreation Foundation’s month long celebration. Be a part of the “Scavenger Hunt” and receive a swag bag for competing in the scavenger hunt on Saturday, April 24th from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. by the La Mesa Community Garden. This event supports the La Mesa Park and Recreation Foundation, whose mission is to facilitate quality projects and programs which provide activities to strengthen community and family bonds, as well as foster pride in La Mesa and our parks.

The Board of Supervisors (Board) is scheduled to consider the Land Development cost recovery fee package at its meeting on Wednesday, April 7, 2021, at 9:00 a.m. at the County Administration Center (CAC), 1600 Pacific Highway, Room 310, San Diego, California 92101. Due to the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) public health emergency, in-person participation at Board of Supervisors meetings will not be allowed. Please see below for how to participate.

The Land Development team of Planning & Development Services, Department of Public Works, and the Department of Parks and Recreation have developed proposed fees to take effect July 1, 2021. This item will allow the Land Development team to comply with Board Policy B-29.

SPEAKER GUIDELINES

In-Person Participation Prohibited - Due to the COVID-19 public health emergency, including the order by the State of California public health officials for anyone living in the state to stay home, in-person participation at Board of Supervisors meetings will not be allowed.

Public Testimony via Teleconference - Members of the public may participate in the meeting via a teleconference. If you wish to participate through teleconference, please visit the Board of Supervisors Website.

Instructions on how to view and participate in the meeting via teleconference are available at the link above, at the bottom of the page under the header “COVID-19 Public Service Announcement.”

Large groups wishing to comment on a common item are encouraged to submit comments in writing or to identify one spokesperson to join the teleconference on behalf of the group. If you have any questions, please contact the Board Operations Unit at (619) 531-5434.

The Board of Supervisors agenda for April 7, 2021, is located on the Board of Supervisors Meeting Agenda Website.

eComments - If you would like to send comments to the Board of Supervisors, please see the instructions provided in the “Submit an eComment” link here. eComments can be submitted when the agenda is released (typically on Wednesday of the week before the meeting). Comments will be accepted until the start of the meeting. Due to the COVID-19 public health emergency, eComments can now be submitted during the meeting as well.

More information regarding the proposed cost recovery package for Planning & Development Services is posted on the following websites:

If you have questions, please contact Stephanie Nicholas at stephanie.nicholas@sdcounty.ca.gov 

San Diego County Credit Union® (SDCCU®), one of Southern California’s largest locally-owned financial institutions is once again being nominated for San Diego’s BEST Awards in The San Diego Union-Tribune Readers Poll. In 2020, SDCCU was named San Diego’s BEST Credit Union for the 21st consecutive year by readers of The San Diego Union-Tribune. SDCCU was also voted San Diego’s BEST Financial Planner and BEST Mortgage Provider for the eleventh year in a row - and BEST Auto Loan Provider and BEST Place to Work for the seventh year.

The 2021 nominations for San Diego’s BEST Awards in The San Diego Union-Tribune Readers Poll have started. Visit www.sdccu.com/nominate now through April 21, to nominate SDCCU for BEST in the categories of Credit Union, Auto Loan Provider, Financial Planner, Mortgage Provider and Place to Work. Only one nomination is allowed per email address, which is different from previous years when votes could be cast daily.

“SDCCU takes pride in our exceptional products and services and to be recognized as BEST Credit Union by the readers of The San Diego Union-Tribune is always a great honor,” said SDCCU President and CEO Teresa Campbell. “SDCCU will continue to focus on providing the BEST customer service and sound financial products to improve the lives and well-being of individuals in Southern California.”

Visit sdccu.com to learn more about SDCCU’s BEST breakthrough banking products and services, including financial planning, mortgage loans and auto loans.

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!

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.