Source:  A Better Life

September 9, 2022 (San Diego) - A Better Life Together, Inc. (ABLT) helps individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to fulfill their desired purpose. On Sept. 17 from 19 a.m to 3 p.m. the agency will host a free employment and community resource fair at 8825 Aero Drive in San Diego.

The agency creates a partnership of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live and work in the community and to be valued members of society. ABLT provides supported and independent living services to individuals who want to live in their own home and community based day programs and customized tailored day program services to those who want to work, pursue higher education, start a business or other goals.

Source:  Customs and Border Patrol

September 6, 2022 (Washington, D.C.) - U.S. Customs and Border Protection is hosting a Fall 2022 Virtual Career Expo on Tuesday, September 13. CBP is seeking entry-level and experienced law enforcement professionals who are interested in a challenging and rewarding career serving our country. Interested applicants can discuss career options with CBP recruiters and attend live group presentations to learn more about the hiring process.

East County News Service

Photo courtesy of La Mesa Police via Twitter

August 24, 2022 (La Mesa) – A fire that broke out inside Office Depot in La Mesa today caused over $1 million in damage to the building and its contents, according to Andy McKellar, public information officer for Heartland Fire & Rescue.

East County News Service

August 3, 2022 (San Diego’s East County) – The San Diego Regional East County Chamber of Commerce will host “Dine & Dialogue” with Congressman Darrell Issa on Thursday, August 11 from 12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.  The event will be held at the Chamber’s office at 201 S. Magnolia Ave., El Cajon.

Cost is $15 for members and $20 for nonmembers before Aug. 11, $20 at the door.

By Gig Conaughton, County of San Diego Communications Office

Image credit via Shutterstock

June 23, 2022 (San Diego) - The smallest of San Diego County’s small businesses ― from dog walkers to tutors, sidewalk vendors and everything in between ― now have more time to apply for a free $2,500 County grant.

By Kylie Dees

June 1, 2022 (La Mesa) – One of La Mesa’s hidden gems is located in La Mesa’s downtown village and is known for its affordable and trendy ladies resale clothing. Act II is a family owned and operated business owned by Dolores Buller (photo, left)) and her daughter, Deanne Ross (right).

By Matthew Manosh

May 7, 2022 (El Cajon) -- Imagine walking into a building. Instead of being greeted by a person you are greeted by a robot. It sounds like a scene from a sci-fi story but it’s now reality. The San Diego East County Chamber of Commerce had an introduction to its new robot assistant, TEMI, last month. This assistant is able to answer questions about East County.

In a demonstration, a presenter asked a question about Santee Lakes, which Temi responded to in detail. TEMI, also mobile, can move around an area or it can be programmed to follow people. This is not meant to replace human jobs, but to help humans do their jobs better by taking on simple tasks that may take away from more important tasks, Todd Brinkman explained to us. You can view the video here.

Brinkman is the founder of Virtual Reality for Main Street LLC, a company dedicated to bringing new emerging technologies to cities.You can look at their website here. 

Source:  Senator Joel Anderson

April 27, 2022 (San Diego) - The San Diego County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a board letter put forth by Supervisor Joel Anderson and Vice Chair Nora Vargas that will provide economic opportunities for small businesses in the unincorporated County.  Their board action was inspired by a letter written to Supervisor Anderson from an Alpine constituent and was approved unanimously at the April 26, 2022 Board of Supervisors meeting.

Over 47,000 supermarket employees impacted; deal includes significant wage increases, more hours, improved healthcare benefits and safety

East County News Service

April 14, 2022 (San Diego) -- Grocery store employees represented by seven UFCW Locals in Southern and Central California overwhelmingly voted to ratify a new three-year contract with Ralphs and Albertsons/Vons/Pavilions, averting a strike.

East County News Service

April 5, 2022 (Santee) – The Santee Chamber of Commerce will host its Santee Heroes Celebration on Tuesday, April 26 at 6 p.m. at Carlton Oaks Golf Club.

East County News Service 

Photo credit: courtesy of Parkway Plaza

March 23, 2022 (El Cajon) -- Calling all pet owners! Parkway Plaza is officially becoming a dog-friendly shopping center, welcoming customers to bring along their furry friends on all their shopping trips. 

East County News Service

March 2, 2022 (San Diego) -- Local microbusinesses and nonprofits that were affected by COVID-19 may be eligible for a $2,500 grant from the County.  The Microbusiness grant program is funded by the Board of Supervisors with approximately $4.175 million allocated from the California Office of the Small Business. The deadline to apply is March 31.

By Miriam Raftery

Photo: CC via Bing

February 25, 2022 (San Diego) – By a 3-2 vote, San Diego County Supervisors approved a Working Families Ordinance on Feb. 8.  The measure requires payment of prevailing wages and use of a skilled, trained workforce on construction projects over $1 million on county lands.  It also brings sick leave requirements in line with state standards.

A second reading is set for March 1^st. if approved then, it will go into effect 30 days later on new contracts or projects up for renewal.

East County News Service

February 17, 2022 (La Mesa) - The La Mesa Chamber of Commerce announces that Thoughtful Creations, an innovative retailer located at 8270 La Mesa Boulevard, will host a mixer Tuesday, February 22^nd between the hours of 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

By Miriam Raftery

February 1, 2022 (Alpine) – Beer lovers in East County will soon have more to cheer about.  Mike Hess Brewing of San Diego (www.mikehessbrewing.com) is expanding through their acquisition of Alpine Beer Company’s Outpost. The announcement comes after Alpine Beer Co. sold its Green Flash and Alpine brands in late December to Canada’s Tilray.