La Mesa Chamber News | November 3, 2021
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Your Weekly La Mesa Chamber News
In case you missed last week's e-blast: October 29 Eblast See more past email blasts here.
Attention - Another Important Subject That Impacts All of Us
Hello -

Important Information for you to read and submit your comments once you review the maps:

I wanted to send some details to you regarding state and county redistricting. We really need folks to send comments to both the County and State commission about keeping communities of interest together. At the County level there is not an East County Supervisor seat as it stands now and they have a commission meeting tomorrow evening. For the State level, East County has been split into three different districts and e-comments are the best. I provided some info below.
County Redistricting:

Commission Information: Redistricting (sandiegocounty.gov)

Current Maps: IRC Upcoming Meetings (sandiegocounty.gov) (scroll down to view the maps)

Item 5: Draft Map Public Hearing and Item 6: Communities of Interest Update, Discussion of IRC Draft Maps, and Discussion and Possible Approval of Direction to FLO Analytics Regarding IRC Draft Map(s)


  1. Check to see how your community is impacted
  2. Submit Comments (best to submit over zoom, phone or in person but e-comments are accepted)



Please know that it is important for you to make your comments as personal and professional as you can.

California Redistricting:


Current Visualizations for Congress, State Assembly, State Senate (look for Southern California section in each handout): 10.27-29.21_handouts Handouts - We Draw the Lines CA 

  1. Check to see how your community is impacted
  2. Submit comments

Here is where you can submit your comments: airtable.com/shrQDD2ta2emnSzzO

Steps to submit:
  1. In the section about the name of the visualization you can say: Current Visualization for East County/North County San Diego.
  2. Write your comments
  3. Select San Diego County
  4. Press Submit

Please know that it is important for you to make your comments as personal as you can.

Here is an example of what you can say to State Commission: 

Dear Commissioners:
Your visualization (ESD version B, October 13) of inland San Diego united our east county and north county communities so they can work together to deal with the transportation issues impacting our region. The latest SD-DELC and SD CITY cut both inland San Diego and San Diego City in ways that are harmful to both communities.
If you can’t return to ESD version B, the recent Congressional Visualization SMESCPOW also works as a starting point for an inland San Diego Senate seat. It has the heart of East and North County and none of coastal San Diego. SMESCPOW has the major inland San Diego cities: Escondido, Poway, and Santee as well as other communities that the commission recognizes belong with them: Valley Center, Eucalyptus Hills, Lakeside, Winter Gardens, and more. It has a slice of San Diego City that fits with these communities: Rancho Bernardo, Rancho Penasquitos. El Cajon, east La Mesa and rural communities like Jamul, Alpine, Julian also belong in this area.

Thank you.
Welcome to Our New Members!
Cush Plaza La Mesa
Commercial Real Estate
5565 Grossmont Center Dr.
La Mesa, CA 91942
858-549-2874
San Diego Living Real Estate
Real estate sales and property management
Owning a home’s life-changing. You make memories, raise your kids, & create wealth there. Let’s get you there. DRE#00480913

8504 La Mesa Blvd., La Mesa
(858) 699-7480 | sdlivingrealestate.com
Join Us at the Evening Mixer at Hooleys Public House!
Join us at the Evening Mixer at Hooleys Public House at Grossmont Center! We are pleased to offer great food from Hooleys to fill your stomach! The menu is sure to please!

See why Hooleys Public House is a popular destination and why Craig McDonald is a VERY popular owner! The great food, friendly atmosphere and fantastic staff are key to Craig’s success.

The Chamber will host a raffle and other surprises. Be sure to bring your business cards while you mix and mingle.

Wednesday, November 10  
5:30 - 7:00 p.m.

Location: Hooleys Public House
5500 Grossmont Center Dr. #277

Evening cost (includes 1 Wine Ticket):
FREE to ALL Chamber Members | Guests - $15 | At Door Guests - $25
“Pack the Pantry” Virtual Food Drive Launches to Help Fill
Local College Pantries
50% of area college students face food insecurity
Approximately 50% of local community college students grapple with food insecurity. As a result of not having reliable, consistent access to food, students are more likely to miss classes or drop out of school.
The pandemic continues to severely impact students, and has increased the demand at food pantries on local college campuses.

With the 3rd annual Pack the Pantry food drive, California Coast Credit Union is partnering with all of the local community college campuses and the San Diego Food Bank to raise funds and fill local college pantries.

During the month of November, you can donate online to help provide much-needed food for local college students at www.calcoastcu.org/news-and-events/pack-the-pantry-2021/. Donors can even select which college food pantry they want their donation directed to.

“Pack the Pantry is a wonderful new tradition that is making a real difference in the lives of our region’s community college students,” said Dr. Carlos O. Turner Cortez, SDICCCA President and Chancellor of the San Diego Community College District. “Food insecurity is a real issue on campus and this virtual food drive will go a long way to support the work being done at each of food pantries at our 10 local colleges.”

Cal Coast President & CEO Todd Lane said, “The need for access to nutritious food is more important than ever for students and Cal Coast encourages other area companies and the general public to join us as we help local students who are experiencing hunger.”

Both the San Diego Food Bank and North County Food Bank are donating their services to support the Pack the Pantry food drive by providing the food to the community colleges at the end of the fundraiser.
“The San Diego Food Bank is proud to partner again this year with Cal Coast Credit Union and the San Diego & Imperial Counties Community Colleges Association to raise vital food and funds for eleven community college food pantries,” said Casey Castillo, Interim CEO for the San Diego Food Bank and its North County Food Bank chapter.

“The Food Bank launched its College Hunger-Relief Program to address the ongoing issue of food insecurity working directly with local community colleges and universities to set up easy-to-access food pantries right on campus. The community’s contributions to this month-long campaign will help stock the shelves of these pantries with nutritious foods thus bringing hope to those students facing food insecurity.”

For more information on the Pack the Pantry virtual food drive, visit www.calcoastcu.org or call (858) 495-1600 and ask for Community Relations.
County Updates for the Business Community for 11.02.21
Southern Border Toolkit 

The CDC has updated their Southern Border Toolkit to include the recent international travel guidance released by the White House - effective date of November 8, 2021.

See the CDC International Travel page for details and updates. 
San Diegans Urged to Get Flu Vaccine in Time for Holidays

The County of San Diego is ramping up its flu vaccination efforts to lower the risk of San Diegans getting influenza this holiday season. County health officials are concerned this year’s flu season will be more severe than last year, when many people were staying at home due to COVID-19. Read more.
COVID-19 Testing Options to Detect a Current Infection Handout

COVID-19 testing allows for early detection of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. Testing helps identify anyone who came into close contact with someone diagnosed with COVID-19 and can help stop the spread of the virus. Review the information here to learn about available testing options.
COVID-19 Hospitalization Among Vaccinated and Unvaccinated People

A study of hospitalized patients with symptoms similar to COVID-19 found unvaccinated people with a previous infection were 5x more likely to have a positive COVID-19 test compared to vaccinated people. Read more.
County Job Fair

The County of San Diego is having a same-day hiring event and job fair from 10:00AM to 2:00PM on November 9th at the County Operations Center Commons, 5520 Overland Ave., San Diego. Job opportunities are available in nursing, mental health, public safety, health/social services, parks and more!
Founders First Job Creators
Grant Program

Founders First CDC is awarding grants to 30 diverse-led businesses in Southern California to help them grow. The application deadline is November 20, 2021. Learn more here
9th Annual Drive Through Turkey Giveaway & Walk-up Vaccination Clinic
Saturday, November 20, 10am - 12pm
Address: Joe & Vi Jacobs Center - 404 Euclid Ave., San Diego, CA 92114

This event will be open at a first come, first serve basis, while supplies last. Registration will close Saturday, November 20th at 8 a.m.

One turkey per household. A member from each household must be present.

Fill out the form here to register: a79.asmdc.org/giveaway
PUBLIC NOTICE from San Diego County: Draft Regional Decarbonization Framework Available for Review
Public Comment Period: November 1 - December 3, 2021

The San Diego County Board of Supervisors will consider the Draft Regional Decarbonization Framework (RDF) at its November 17, 2021 meeting. This document was created to guide policy making among regional, county and city governments that will reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The draft study is now available for public review.

The RDF is separate from but complements ongoing climate action planning efforts by local governments, as well as regional planning in energy, transportation and land-use. Recognizing the need for a regional approach to addressing climate change, the Board first called for the Framework in January. After more public review and analysis by local subject-matter experts, the final document will be presented to the Board for adoption in early 2022.

This framework is the first step in positioning the region as a global leader in climate planning. It is authored by a team led by the University of California San Diego School of Global Policy and Strategy, working in collaboration with the Energy Policy Initiatives Center at the University of San Diego School of Law and other consultants with technical expertise in energy, transportation and buildings systems. It offers science-based ways to reduce carbon emissions in a feasible and expeditious timeline.

We welcome your input on this draft framework, either through our website or email ZeroCarbon@SDCounty.ca.gov, or by mailing the RDF Team at 1600 Pacific Hwy., Room 212, San Diego, CA 92101
Every Day is Earth Day - La Mesa Hosts Annual Park Appreciation Day and Earth Day Fair 
La Mesa will celebrate Earth Day on Saturday, November 6, 2021 from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM. The public is invited to give back to the community and to our planet by helping with various projects in La Mesa parks from 8:00–10:00 AM and participate in a FREE Earth Day Fair from 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM at MacArthur Park. 

All ages, individuals, and groups are welcome. Participants are encouraged to sign-up ahead of time for park clean-up projects at bit.ly/ParkAppreciation2021. Remember to bring gloves, tools and wear closed-toe shoes.  

The Earth Day Fair, hosted by the La Mesa Park & Recreation Foundation, will be held at MacArthur Park, 4900 Memorial Drive from 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM. The event will showcase environmentally sustainable vendors with resources and educational materials, Fix-It Clinic, Bicycle Rodeo, Kids Zone with fun activities, tree planting, food truck and more. 

Funding for this event comes from the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CalFire) Urban and Community Forestry Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF) grant programs and local sponsors, EDCO, Laurie MacDonald, Realtor – Coldwell Banker West, and the La Mesa Village Association.

For more information visit cityoflamesa.us/specialevents or email friends@lamesaparks.org
Nominate an Outstanding Teacher for SDCCU Classroom Heroes®
Winners will be recognized and will receive a $250 SDCCU Visa® gift card
San Diego County Credit Union® (SDCCU®), San Diego’s largest locally-owned financial institution, is proudly honoring San Diego County teachers through SDCCU Classroom Heroes, launched in partnership with the San Diego County Office of Education.

SDCCU and the San Diego County Office of Education are recognizing three local “Classroom Heroes” every quarter. Winning teachers will be featured on all SDCCU social media platforms and will receive a $250 SDCCU Visa gift card.

“SDCCU is proud to recognize local San Diego County teachers and educators for all the work they do for our students,” said SDCCU President and CEO Teresa Campbell. “Honoring ‘classroom heroes’ is one of many ways SDCCU supports education. The impact these teachers make on today’s youth helps lead them towards a successful future.”

Teachers, students, parents and the community are encouraged to nominate a deserving teacher by visiting sdccu.com/classroomheroes.
From SDG&E: 10 Tips for Your Business to Save Energy This Winter
As we go deeper into fall and leave summer behind, there’s no better time than now to plan how you’ll save energy next summer. With our Demand Response Programs, your business can receive incentives for shifting energy use when it’s needed most. Here is some information about a few of our programs.

  1. Lower the temperature. Your business can keep comfortable without cranking up the heat. Adjust your thermostat by a few degrees to help reduce your energy bill. Don’t completely turn off your heat overnight though – you’ll use more energy to heat up the building again in the morning. 
  2. One of the easiest ways to save money is by controlling your thermostat. Smart thermostats can be adjusted remotely to run energy-efficient schedules. If you join SDG&E’s Smart Thermostat program, you’ll receive $50 per registered thermostat with a max of four thermostats for business and two for your home. Get details on sdge.com/MyBusiness.
  3. Did you know ceiling fans help in the colder months too? Change the rotation of your fan blades to clockwise, which will pull warm air down and spread it throughout the room. 
  4. Open blinds and sunshades to allow sunlight to heat up the room, especially on south- or west-facing windows. Natural light can warm the space and reduce the need for lighting. When you need to turn on lights, save energy by using energy-efficient LED bulbs.
  5. In work areas that get little use, like storage and conference rooms, install sensors so lights will automatically go off when employees are working elsewhere.
  6. Make sure cold air isn’t drifting into your building by checking weather stripping on your doors and caulking on your windows and other areas that outside air can seep inside. This is especially important in older buildings. You can also put clear, inexpensive plastic sheeting on your windows to add more insulation and reduce cold drafts.
  7. Get a tune-up on your heater to ensure your system is operating efficiently. New, clean air filters can improve airflow and heating. SDG&E has instant in-store rebates up to $500 on the purchase of new, qualifying energy-efficient electric heat pump water heaters and gas water heaters.

Learn more at sdge.com/rebates.
From The East County Californian:
Best of East County Readers Poll 2021
This is your opportunity to let your voice be heard! Vote for your favorite people, places, and businesses to help us determine who is the very best in East County. All our winners will be announced in the Best of East County special section publishing on February 11, 2022. Pick up a ballot in The East County Californian or vote online at eccalifornian.com/boec2021
Deadline to vote is November 29, 5pm.
Don't Forget to Apply for the Small Business Stimulus Grant
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:

All Businesses in La Mesa - Whether a La Mesa Chamber Member Or Not - Can Contact Mary England for Assistance in Applying for This Grant

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.


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.
La Mesa Chamber Calendar
November 10 - Evening Mixer at Hooleys Public House : 5:30-7pm at Hooleys Public House | 5500 Grossmont Center Dr., La Mesa | Details/RSVP

December 3 - Deadline to donate to the La Mesa Homebound Seniors Holiday Project 2021 | Details

December 5 - Deadline to donate to the La Mesa Military Families Toy Drive 2021 | Details

December 7 - Toy Drive for La Mesa Military Families & Party at BJ's : 5:30-7pm at BJ's Restaurant and Brewhouse | 5500 Grossmont Center Dr., 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.

For local La Mesa news, visit lamesacourier.com

For East County news, visit ww.eccalifornian.com
Show Off Your Membership With Pride!
"Most consumers (59%) think that being active in the local chamber of commerce is an effective business strategy overall. It is 29% more effective, however, for communicating to consumers that a
company uses good business practices and 26% more effective for communicating that a business is reputable." Quoted from "The Real Value of Joining a Local Chamber of Commerce"

Not only do we provide members a physical plaque to display at their place of business, we also provide a way to further brand your business by providing a Virtual Plaque to display right on your website. Membership in a chamber of commerce has come to signify corporate citizenship and excellence, and your website is your storefront to the consumer and the world. Just place it on your website with a link back to www.lamesachamber.com or to your personal business page in our directory.
Special Thank You to Our Premium Members
Diamond Member:
Cush Plaza La Mesa
Cush Plaza La Mesa
Commercial Real Estate
5565 Grossmont Center Dr., La Mesa, CA 91942
858-549-2874
Platinum Members
SMIB Management, Inc.
Gold Members
AAA Imaging
A.L. Sound
American Medical Response
Barnes & Noble -
Grossmont Center
Benchmark Financial
Community Spectrum
EDCO Waste & Recycling Corp.
Frazier Farms
Kostedt Design & Marketing
Magnaglobe Enterprises
Major Security Services
Park Station
PenChecks, Inc.
Productivity Plus Office Support
San Pasqual Winery
Sanctuary Cruises
Sears Mechanical
Sensi Media
Studio M.I.F.
The East County Californian
Ultimate Catering Concepts
Thank you for being a member and for your support!

Mary England
President & CEO
Cell: 619-251-7730
La Mesa Chamber of Commerce ∙ P.O. Box 94 ∙ La Mesa, California 91944