News & Updates

Community Partner: The Arc of San Diego

Community Partners

November 24, 2020

In 1951, The Arc of San Diego began as a small group of determined parents who were concerned about achieving the best for their children. Today, The Arc of San Diego has grown to be the largest,

In an art class at The Arc of San Diego instructors Vickie Lawrence and  Yana Gold assist clients |_Photo Credit: Photo by Charlie Neuman

most comprehensive provider of services to children and adults with disabilities in San Diego County and serves more than 2,000 individuals countywide. For almost 70 years, The Arc of San Diego has remained committed to its mission of supporting and empowering individuals with disabilities to achieve their life’s goals. Through a wide spectrum of programs, The Arc of San Diego offers support for individuals with disabilities throughout every stage in life.

Available Programs:

  • Early Intervention Services: Provides family-centered early educational services for children from birth to three years old with developmental delays or at risk for delay. Educates parents and caregivers on how to interact with and teach their children.
  • Day Training Services: Provides support with essential life skills such as communication and behavioral management, money management, computer literacy, American Sign Language, bilingual instruction, and more.
  • Employment Services: Provides job placement and vocational training in a variety of industries that includes employment preparation and ongoing support.
  • Respite Services: Gives families short-term relief by providing care for a loved one with a disability in-home or in our weekend, overnight Respite House.
  • Residential Services: The Arc staffs 10 residential homes, allowing individuals with disabilities to safely live as independently as they can.
  • Independent Living Services: Supports individuals living on their own by helping with household and money management, health and safety, accessing community resources, and recreational activities.
  • Tailored Day Service Option: Provides vocational, educational, and recreational goal support for adults with disabilities designed to meet each client’s unique needs in the community.
  • Personal and Leisure Services: Offers recreational activities and excursions that help participants build relationships with peers including yoga, fitness, and nutrition classes as well as art and music therapies.

For more information on The Arc of San Diego and its services, visit www.arc-sd.com, email info@arc-sd.com or call 619-685-1175.

Member Spotlight: KMG Psychiatry

Member Spotlight

November 24, 2020

Dr. Bindal and the KMG Psychiatry

KMG Psychiatry is an integrative psychiatry practice that delivers high-quality, comprehensive care to the communities of San Diego, National City, and Hollywood California. Led by renowned board-certified psychiatrist Ankur Bindal, MD, MPH, FAPA, FAASM, KMG Psychiatry strives to help individuals heal, energize, and become aware of their inner strengths.

Dr. Bindal and the KMG Psychiatry team understand that treating psychiatric disorders requires a multi-faceted approach. After a full mental health evaluation, Dr. Bindal works with the team to create an individualized treatment plan for every patient.

KMG Psychiatry uses a combination of traditional, including traditional medication management and counseling services, encompassing specialized psychotherapy; and innovative treatments, including Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) therapy, with additional expertise in providing Sleep Medicine Services, to target a wide range of conditions, including anxiety and depression, bipolar disorder, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and sleep disorders.

KMG Psychiatry in Practice

KMG Psychiatry specializes in the treatment of depression and PTSD for military personnel. Not only does the office use state-of-the-art technology, but they also offer flexible payment plans. When Applicable, KMG Psychiatry offers financial subsidies for those undergoing hardship. They also provide appointments within one week of booking.

KMG is accepted by most insurance providers and has offices in National City, Sorrento Valley, and Hollywood California to provide convenient access to the San Diego and Los Angeles communities.  To schedule an appointment with Dr. Bindal and the KMG Psychiatry team, call or schedule a visit online at https://www.kmgpsychiatry.com/

Member Spotlight: Doors of Change

Member Spotlight

November 24, 2020

Doors of Change (aka Photocharity) is a 501(c)(3) organization that has been fulfilling their mission of helping homeless youth get off the streets of San Diego since 2001.The organization has utilized teaching music and art as a way of gaining trust quickly with homeless youth and has helped place over 2,000 youth in safe housing.

The COVID-19 pandemic has introduced even greater challenges for homeless youth. Although their in-person programs are suspended, they have nevertheless expanded their reach by shifting their outreach and case management virtual. This big change has helped more youth now than ever before, including the addition of helping homeless students at local universities.

For many years, the music industry has supported Doors of Change by donating signed memorabilia. Billy Joel will soon sign his 6th keyboard. The Rolling Stones, Elton John, B.B. King, Chris Isaak, Boz Scaggs and many others have also helped. While these donations have been an important part of their fundraising, Doors of Change is requesting the support of the local community.

In particular, Doors of Change is seeking Corporate Angels to support their upcoming Homeless Youth virtual Symposium on December 1, 2020 with Supervisor Gaspar: From Invisible to Invincible- Success Stories of Homeless Youth that will showcase former homeless youth who include a doctor, lawyer, engineer, nurse and a law student.  As soon as it is feasible to do so, the organization plans to resume benefit music concerts (which attract 1,500-3,000 guests) and other fundraising events. As a Corporate Angel, your company can truly help save homeless youth while you promote your business.

Read more about this sponsorship opportunity here. For more information visit www.DoorsofChange.org.

If you would like to become a Corporate Angel, please contact:

Doors of Change COO, Reed Maltbie at 619-772-0266.

 

Member Spotlight: Pemcor Packaging

Member Spotlight

November 20, 2020

 

San Diego Paper Box Company was acquired in 2018 by Pemcor Investment Corporation and subsequent to the acquisition, significant investments have been made enhancing the company’s facilities and production capabilities, building on the proud 100-year plus history of San Diego Paper Box Company. Pemcor Investment Corporation was founded in 1992 and has been active in operating businesses as well as value-added real estate projects in a number of North American markets.

In November 2020 San Diego Paper Box Company was renamed Pemcor Packaging. The new name reflects a change of ownership and is more aligned with the company’s strategy to pursue growth in a number of markets in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

Pemcor Packaging is committed to serving clients in a broad range of industries with innovative and sustainable packaging solutions. The company is based in a state-of-the art 55,000 square foot

Pemcor Packaging Facilities 

manufacturing facility at the site of the former La Mesa Airport in San Diego. Its primary staff is based in the San Diego facility, with additional personnel located in Mexico. In addition to these locations, the company is working to expand its geographic footprint throughout the US and Canada. Pemcor Packaging partners with our customers to provide optimized design and manufacturing of retail and specialty packaging. Our capabilities include custom print and finishes, as well as fulfillment services providing box assembly, product packaging, product storage, and kitting.

Examples of Pemcor Packaging’s optimized designs

Pemcor has clients in numerous sectors such as food and beverage, consumer products, industrial, health and beauty, and pharmaceuticals. Established in 1906 and headquartered in San Diego, California, the company has approximately 40 employees located in a 55,000 square foot state-of-the-art manufacturing facility that serves the US and Mexican markets. Learn more at www.pemcorpackaging.com.

 

 

For more information, contact:

Cris Ferregur, President

via phone: T 619 660 9599 F 619 660 9570

or via email: info@pemcorpackaging.com

 

Member Spotlight: Sanitizing Solutions

Member Spotlight

November 18, 2020

Sanitizing Solutions was founded with a simple idea in mind: creating clean, safe, and hygienic environments. The company is committed to providing the highest quality disinfecting and sanitizing solutions to the commercial, residential, industrial, and healthcare industries resulting in safe and hygienic environments through the use of the latest disinfecting technology and hygiene systems. The team at Sanitizing Solutions prides themselves in providing their clients an extra layer of protection and peace of mind. Rest assured, you are partnering with certified and trained experts.

Available services includes:

  • Electrostatic Disinfection Service
  • EPA-registered hospital-grade disinfectant
  • Disinfecting Wipes
  • Electrostatic sanitizing systems with Artificial Intelligence
    • Indoor systems
    • Outdoor systems
    • Automated systems
    • Systems for shopping carts & hand baskets
    • Robotic systems for large clients (casinos, hotels, grocery stores, warehouses, gyms, airports, etc.)
    • Capable of detecting
      • Temperature
      • Whether or not a face mask is being worn and whether or not it is being worn correctly or incorrectly
      • Contact tracing
      • Alerts when a person has a temperature and may be exhibiting Covid-19 symptoms

Contact Sanitizing Solutions:

Chris Valdez, COO/Co-Founder of Sanitizing Solutions

Phone: (619) 786-0459

Email: info@sanitizingsolutionsinc.com

Member Spotlight: 7-Eleven/Laredo Taco Company

Uncategorized

November 18, 2020

There’s a new 7-Eleven® store in town, and it’s unlike any you’ve ever seen. The company that founded convenience retailing just opened a new “Evolution Store” at 3504 El Cajon Blvd., one of just a handful in the U.S.

You may be thinking: what is an “Evolution Store?” These distinctive stores serve as real-time experiential testing grounds where customers can try the retailer’s latest innovations in new store formats. The first Evolution Store opened in Dallas in 2019 to rave reviews. The San Diego location was the fourth Evolution Store to open nationwide and the first Evolution Store on the West Coast.

The Evolution Store in San Diego is also home to a Laredo Taco Company® restaurant. Born in South Texas, Laredo Taco Company is famous for its authentic Tex-Mex tacos served on homemade flour tortillas made from scratch in the restaurant every day, along with fresh salsas and pico de gallo.

Tacos and meals include specialties not always seen in quick-serve Mexican restaurants such as authentic barbacoa, chorizo, carne asada, carnitas and breakfast tacos made with fresh-cracked eggs. To see how they make their scratch tortillas and tacos, follow Laredo Taco Company on their  Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram pages.

Baja’s COVID-19 Update

InternationalNewsPolicy

November 18, 2020

Baja’s Secretariat of Health issued a report of COVID-19 rates across the state compared to other areas of Mexico and the world. The report includes a map with confirmed and active cases per neighborhood and hospital occupancy at the state’s COVID-19 designated centers. As a result of an increase in new COVID-19 cases across the region, Baja State Government announced the implementation of increased business inspections to ensure adherence to precautionary measures.. New penalties are = now in place for businesses and individuals who fail to comply, including a $90,000 peso fine (about $4,500 USD) for organizing or hosting large meetings or events and the immediate closure of businesses exceeding authorized capacity. In addition, health and safety checkpoints to reinforce stay at home orders have been resumed at the Mexicali land ports of entry, including the Calexico West, Calexico East, and Andrade/Algodones land ports of entry.The checkpoints operate every Friday from 2:00 to Sunday at 8:00 p.m. Please note that there is a limit of two passengers per vehicle crossing southbound through Mexicali’s land ports of entry.

In anticipation of flu season, the State of Baja continues to work to ensure access to flu shots in each municipality. Efforts include a new drive-thru system located at Tijuana’s General Hospital to reduce the risk of exposure to COVID-19. The service is free and available Saturdays and Sundays from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and  no appointments are necessary.

Transboundary Pollution Update

InternationalNewsPolicy

November 18, 2020

The International Boundary and Water Commission recently hosted a public session which was followed by a Binational Core Group meeting. The meeting was composed of representatives from the Commission and federal, state, and local stakeholders including the Chamber. A recording of the public session is available here and includes presentations on a sediment basin feasibility study by the Commission and the “Binational Water Quality Study of the Tijuana River and Adjacent Canyons and Drains” prepared under Minute 320. The report includes recommendations to control industrial wastewater discharges in Tijuana, increase resources and assistance for wastewater collection and treatment, and continue joint water quality monitoring and field inspections to ensure prompt response to wastewater flows.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will hold a public meeting tomorrow, November 20 at 10:00 a.m. to share an evaluation of infrastructure projects that support a comprehensive solution to transboundary pollution issues in our region, in accordance with the new trilateral agreement, USMCA. You can join the meeting by clicking here or calling 1(628)246-1234 (Conference ID: 649 311 295#).

The Chamber partnered with the State of Baja to host an International Business Affairs Forum to share the state’s work to clean the Tijuana River channel and upcoming projects to address transboundary polluted flows. The forum featured Technical Undersecretary Rigoberto Laborin, who spoke on behalf of the State of Baja’s Water Management, Sanitation, and Protection Agency (SEPROA), and Imperial Beach Mayor Serge Dedina. SEPROA’s work includes the implementation and maintenance of water infrastructure in Tijuana and a 60-day project that removed over 300,000 cubic meters of sediment and solid waste from the Tijuana River channel. These upgrades, along with increased coordination with U.S. authorities, are estimated to reduce the volume of northbound transboundary flows during dry weather by 70 percent and have already resulted in fewer northbound flows reported. Attendees also heard from Chamber member 4 Walls International about public and private collaboration on cross-border solutions for solid waste and plastics.

Baja Governor Enacts New “Leave of Office” Guidelines

InternationalNewsPolicy

November 18, 2020

Baja Governor Jaime Bonilla submitted a legislation proposal that would require local Mayors to request a leave of office to state authorities –rather than to City Council. The legislation would also enable the Governor to submit candidates for Interim Mayor. In addition, the proposal outlines that if two candidates are rejected by Congress, the Governor would have complete authority to appoint an Interim Mayor. This legislation passed immediately over this past weekend and prevented Mayor Arturo Gonzalez from successfully submitting a second request to leave office through City Council. The new legislation may be appealed and heard by the Supreme Court before the end of the year. The Chamber will keep you apprised of any additional updates on this legislation.

You’re Invited: International Tribute Awards

InternationalNewsPolicy

November 18, 2020

The International Tribute Awards, our annual celebration of the Cali-Baja region’s commitment to binational collaboration will be taking place virtually on Tuesday, December 1. Join us as U.S. Ambassador to Mexico Christopher Landau shares his thoughts on the future of the U.S.-Mexico relationship. We will also recognize outstanding individuals and businesses that have made a significant impact in the international efforts bridging U.S. and Mexican economies every year.  2020 award recipients are:

  • Toyota, International Business of the Year
  • Luis M. Hernandez, President of INDEX Zona Costa, Cross-Border Leader of the Year
  • Cross-Border Xpress, Cross-Border Hero

You won’t want to miss an opportunity to network with leaders throughout the Cali-Baja region and celebrate those making tangible differences on both sides of the border. Register here for the event.