La Mesa Chamber News | August 2, 2021
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Your Weekly La Mesa Chamber News
In case you missed last week's email blast: July 27 Eblast
Union Bank Celebrates the Groundbreaking of New
La Mesa Branch on July 28th
There will be a new Union Bank building this year at the site of the burned down building and the community is excited. The community misses the building that has stood in our city and the sentiment of the public at the groundbreaking is one of happiness. Union Bank has been in our community for over 90 years and we are glad to soon have it back!

Branch Manager, Carlton Hill, who has been at the La Mesa branch for quite some time, was the Master of Ceremonies as Union Bank rolled out the carpet for this festive event. There were food trucks serving ice cream and cold drinks, as the day was a hot one! Speakers that gave such great support to our La Mesa branch and our new, beautiful building were, Kevin Cronin, CEO of the Americas MUFG, Greg Selby President of Union Ban and Lisa Roberts, the Head of Community Banking of Union Bank. The Chamber of Commerce was thrilled to participate in this special moment in our city’s history. The Crowd was energized and eagerly looking toward to the future and our brand-new bank in a familiar location. Watch the construction and our NEW bank begin to take shape!
County of San Diego Media Advisory
Sent on behalf of the Business Sector Team, County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency

As of 7/27, the County has released a new statement on masking recommendations.
Have Your Voice Be Heard - Take the Survey on Improvement Projects for East County
SANDAG
SANDAG is finalizing their regional plan and closing public comment on August 6th. Many of the improvement projects for East County have been pushed out to 2035-2050. Some East County leaders have asked to gather comments on thee plan and how it impacts East County. The survey will collect public comment from East County residents and business owners on SANDAG’s proposal. We encourage you to take the survey and submit a comment to SANDAG at: forms.gle/sHyg8GzfHa8xuAYGA
Buy Your Tickets for Taste!
The 12th Annual "Taste of San Diego - East" is on Monday, August 30th
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.
Monday, August 30, 2021

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

Early Bird Tickets (purchased by 8/20):
Early Bird VIP: $60, 5-8pm | Early Bird General Admission: $40, 6-8pm
For details and to buy tickets, visit Taste.LaMesaChamber.com
We Need to Hear From You! Take the La Mesa Business Survey
Attention All Chamber Members & Business Owners!

The City is Expecting Approximately $10.8 Million From the American Rescue Plan Act Funds - These Funds Are to Help With the Impacts of COVID-19

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!

County Updates for the Business Community for 7.26.21
CA Puts Vaccine Verification in Effect for Healthcare Workers and State Employees

To combat surging cases and hospitalizations, California will now require healthcare workers and state employees to get vaccinated or receive regular COVID-19 testing. Learn more.
San Diego County Residents' Views of COVID-19 Vaccination

Click here for the Vaccine Survey results for June 2021. The survey gathered County vaccine data and a review of vaccination hesitancy.
Champions for Health Is Hiring


  • Assistant Immunization Coordinator 
  • Immunization LVN Coordinator 
  • Immunization Program Administrator 
  • Immunization RN Coordinator
  • Influenza Vaccine Program Coordinator
  • Medical Provider Immunization Coordinator
Upcoming Webinar: California Comeback With Senator Caballero: New State Grant Programs For New and Micro-Entrepreneurs

August 12 | 1PM PT

The California legislature recently passed the $100 billion California Comeback Plan, which includes the biggest economic recovery package in California history.

Please join State Senator Anna Caballero (SD-12) and Small Business Majority as we discuss the new entrepreneurship programs included in the California Comeback Plan, including the reopening of the Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant and more.

Topics of discussion will include:
  • An overview of the Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant Program and how to apply
  • The Microbusiness COVID-19 Relief Grant Program (new)
  • The Dream Fund Program for new entrepreneurs (new)
  • The CA Venues Grant Program (new)

A question and answer period will follow.
Caltrans Advisory: Caltrans Advisory: Nighttime Closures at SR-67/Magnolia Avenue and I-8 Continue Through Mid-August
Nighttime closures on northbound and southbound State Route 67/Magnolia Avenue at Interstate 8 (I-8) will continue through August 14 on Sunday through Thursday at 9 until 5 in the morning for bridge repairs. 
 
The closures include two lanes of westbound and eastbound I-8 along a half-mile segment near the SR-67 separation. At least one lane will remain open for traffic.
 
Crews will also close the Mollison Avenue on-ramp to westbound I-8 and the eastbound I-8 off-ramp to southbound Magnolia Avenue during the closure times.
 
Warning signs will be placed ahead of the closure locations with the following detours:
  • Freeway closure—Northbound SR-67/Magnolia Avenue: Detour northbound SR-67 to eastbound I-8 and exit onto Second Street north, to westbound I-8 to northbound SR-67.
  • Freeway closure—Southbound SR-67/Magnolia Avenue: Detour southbound SR-67 to westbound I-8, to Main Street east to eastbound I-8 and exit onto southbound SR-67/Magnolia Avenue.
  • Freeway lane reductions—Westbound and eastbound I-8 near SR-67/Magnolia Avenue: No detour. At least one lane will remain open for traffic.
  • Ramp closure—Mollison Avenue on-ramp to westbound I-8: Detour north on Mollison Avenue to Broadway west to westbound I-8. 
  • Ramp closure—Eastbound I-8 off-ramp to southbound Magnolia Avenue: Primary detour to northbound SR-125 to eastbound SR-52 to SR-67/Magnolia Avenue.
 
Secondary detour to northbound SR-67, exit onto Bradley Avenue east to Mollison Avenue south, to Madison Avenue west to Magnolia Avenue.
 
The construction schedule is subject to change due to weather conditions, traffic incidents, or construction related reasons.
 
Caltrans thanks community members for their patience during this necessary bridge work. Please drive with caution during construction activities and Be Work Zone Alert!
 
For questions about the project or to be added to the distribution list to receive project updates, please contact the Caltrans Public Information Office at CT.Public.Information.D11@dot.ca.gov or call (619) 688-6670.
From Assemblymember Weber: Backpack Giveaway Event
For nine years, the 79th Assembly District has hosted a Backpack Giveaway event, where students receive free backpacks filled with school supplies for the upcoming school year. We will be giving away 1,000 backpacks stuffed with supplies and sanitation kits to prepare students for in-person learning. Join us on Saturday, August 14th from 10am – 1pm at Horace Mann Middle School, where we will also have a free vaccination clinic, free helmet fittings and helmets, and more giveaways!

To ensure we have an accurate count, we ask that you complete the registration prior to the event. To register, you may visit: https://bit.ly/ad79backpacks. Please note that registration will close 3pm on Friday, August 13th. CDC guidelines will be followed during this event.
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.
From SDG&E: Greet the Heat With Summer Savings Strategies
The summer heat is rising and your energy bill may follow along with it. Make sure your business is prepared and learn about SDG&E’s programs and pricing plans to help you save.

Here are some tips to help you manage your energy use when temperatures rise:
  1. Know the details of your business’s energy pricing plan. Remember, your monthly bill is based not only on how much energy your business uses, but when you use it. Compare SDG&E pricing plans on sdge.com/business-summer.
  2. Use fans. Fans can help your business maintain a comfortable temperature. Moving air can make higher temperatures and humidity feel more comfortable and reduce the need for air conditioning. When the temperature outside feels more comfortable than inside, use a box fan in the window or whole facility fan in the attic to pull in the comfortable air.
  3. Ensure efficient cooling. Cooling costs account for 40% of energy costs for commercial buildings. Regular maintenance on your HVAC based on the manufacturer’s recommendations can help you save.
  4. Monitors and computers are two culprits that continue to draw power even when they are switched off. Prevent “phantom” loads by using a power strip to cut power. 
  5. If you’re a small or medium business and an SDG&E customer, you may qualify for customized business solutions that can help you reduce your energy costs and save money. Find out more on sdge.com/business-summer.

Want to connect with an energy specialist and learn how you can save? Take a quick survey on sdge.com/business/save-energy-and-money.
La Mesa Chamber Calendar
August 30 - "Taste of San Diego - East" : 5-8pm at Town and Country San Diego in Mission Valley | Details/Buy Tickets

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

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, please visit lamesacourier.com

For East County news, please visit lamesacourier.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
Grossmont Center
At Grossmont Center, you’ll be reminded why our center has thrived since 1961 because it’s where friendships are made, family bonds are strengthened and memories are created.
5500 Grossmont Center Dr. #213 in La Mesa
(619) 465-2900 | www.grossmontcenter.com
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