East County Happenings, Oct. 24

City councils: El Cajon, 3 p.m. Tuesday; La Mesa, 6 p.m. Tuesday; Santee, 6:30 p.m. Wednesday
School boards: Cajon Valley Union School District (El Cajon), 5:30 p.m. Tuesday

Food distributions coming up

Feeding San Diego is hosting free large-scale drive-through food distributions across San Diego County on its “Together Tour,” including two stops in East County. Registered attendees will receive about 50 pounds of food, including dry goods, fresh produce and a frozen meat protein. Attendees will also receive resources on other Feeding San Diego distributions and information about CalFresh benefits. The tour will stop from 10 a.m.-noon Oct. 28 at Mountain View Community Church, 1191 Meadowlark Way, Ramona. Register at https://feedingsandiego-oct28.rsvpify.com. The tour will also stop from 10-11:30 a.m. Nov. 3 at Faith Chapel, 9400 Campo Road, Spring Valley. Register at https://feedingsandiego-nov3.rsvpify.com. To see the full schedule, visit https://feedingsandiego.org/together-tour. Call (858) 452-3663.

Dispensary opens in La Mesa

Dr. Greenthumb’s has opened a dispensary at 8760 Campo Road, La Mesa, the chain’s sixth dispensary and its first in San Diego County. The fully licensed company was founded by Cypress Hill rapper and cannabis activist B Real in 2018. Dr. Greenthumb’s is known for its extensive menu of cannabis items. Hours are 9 a.m.-9 p.m. daily. Call (858) 222-2527; visit www.sandiegodgt.com.

Santee holding community workshop

The city of Santee invites the community to a workshop at 6 p.m. Nov. 2 at City Hall, 10601 Magnolia Ave. The workshop will review the recent community survey results and discuss diversity, equity and inclusion in Santee, based on the survey feedback. The final results will be posted before the workshop. If you are unable to attend, please submit public comments to clerk@cityofsanteeca.gov by Thursday. The workshop will be aired live on Facebook and SanteeTV.

Town hall on gas tax offered in La Mesa

The La Mesa Chamber of Commerce invites the community to a town hall offered by Reform California from 6:30-8 p.m. Thursday at the La Mesa Community Center, 4975 Memorial Drive, on the impact of the proposed Vehicle Mileage Tax. Register and read more at https://bit.ly/3jjNtH8.

Mortgage assistance program opens

La Mesa has partnered with Home Start to provide a Mortgage Assistance Program for eligible households in La Mesa that have past-due mortgage balances because of the coronavirus pandemic. Home Start began accepting applications this month and will continue until program funds run out. Find applications and eligibility information at www.home-start.org/city-of-la-mesa-mortgage-assistance. La Mesa has allocated $338,000 in coronavirus aid relief, supplemented by Economic Security Act (CARES Act) funding, for the Mortgage Assistance Program. Eligible applications will be reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis.

City needs board volunteers

La Mesa is seeking help from the community to fill vacancies in three city commissions: the Community Relations and Veterans Commission, the La Mesa Parking Commission, and the Youth Advisory Commission (for ages 13-20). For applications and details, visit https://bit.ly/3m3Wpkv. Call (619) 667-1120.

Noah Homes seeking caregivers

Noah Homes is looking for entry-level caregivers for adults with developmental disabilities such as Down syndrome and autism. The nonprofit operates 10 homes on 8 acres in Spring Valley, across from Steele Canyon High School. Job duties include oversight and support of residents’ daily lives including meals, outings, onsite activities such as gardening and karaoke, and dispensing medications. Benefits include a 403b and a matching pension plan, vacation, holiday and sick pay, and parental leave for full-time employees. The 90 residents at Noah Homes range from 23 to 73 years old. Learn more at Noahhomes.org/careers.

Blood drives

The San Diego Blood Bank hosts these blood drives:

• 8 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Tuesday, Courtyard by Marriott El Cajon, 141 N. Magnolia Ave., El Cajon
• 1-7 p.m. Tuesday, Grossmont Center, 5500 Grossmont Center Drive, La Mesa
• 11 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Wednesday, Cajon Valley Union School District, 189 Roanoke Road, El Cajon

Anyone 17 and older, weighing at least 114 pounds and in good health, may be eligible to donate blood. A good meal and plenty of fluids are recommended before donation. Appointments strongly encouraged; photo ID required. Call (800) 469-7322 or visit SanDiegoBloodBank.org.

Send notices to fyi.east@sduniontribune.com at least two weeks before events take place.