EAST COUNTY HAPPENINGS

La Mesa launches business program

La Mesa has joined the East County Economic Development Council and the Small Business Development Center to launch the La Mesa Entrepreneurship Accelerator Program. LEAP is designed to help people start brick-and-mortar businesses in the city. Up to $20,000 in grant funds will be made available to qualifying new enterprises. The program was approved by the city council and funded by the American Rescue Plan Act to reduce the commercial property vacancy rate and train local entrepreneurs. LEAP’S curriculum includes individual consults from business advisers and a case management system. Those who complete the program can use their grants to cover permit, licensing and leasing start-up costs. The training will be done by SBDC instructors at city facilities at hours that accommodate work schedules. Applications are available at eastcountyedc.org/ leap-program. Contact Lyn Dedmon, assistant to the city manager, at (619) 667-1339 or email ldedmon@cityoflamesa.us.

Club honors first responders, collects items

The La Mesa Woman’s Club will honor and thank the La Mesa Police and the La Mesa Heartland Fire and Rescue with an ice cream social at 2 p.m. Wednesday at the clubhouse, 5220 Wilson St. Club members will also be bringing donations to support the Bancroft School Clothing Closet. T-shirts, socks, underwear and sweats in sizes 6-14 are needed. Community members are also welcome to bring new and gently used adult clothing, and/or new children’s clothing, sizes 6-14. The adult clothing will be donated to the Veterans Village San Diego’s Stand Down 2022 event. The children’s clothing will go to the Bancroft School Clothing Closet. Those donating will also be thanked with ice cream during the social. Please RSVP in a message at (619) 466-4362.

Santee hosts summer music on Thursdays

The city of Santee is hosting free concerts from 6:30-8 p.m. every Thursday through Aug. 18 at Town Center Community Park East, 550 Park Center Drive. Performing this week is the Patrick Howard Trampus Band featuring modern country rock. Up July 14: The Journeymen, a Journey tribute band. Food vendors will be on hand, including American Flavors, Born in Brooklyn, Chick-fil-a and Danny’s Ice Cream. Beer and wine permitted.

No glass containers. Onsite parking is limited, so car pools, bikes and rideshares are encouraged. Visit www.cityofsanteeca.gov/our-city/ santee-summer-concerts; call (619) 258-4100.

San Diego Concert Band performs July 10

La Mesa’s free Sundays at Six Summer Concerts Series continues at Harry Griffen Park. The San Diego Concert Band will perform at 6 p.m. July 10 at the park, 9550 Milden St. For more dates and performers, visit cityoflamesa.us/409/special-events. Contact friends@lamesaparks.org or call (619) 667-1319.

Whiskey Ridge band plays at Thursday car show

The La Mesa Classic Car Show rolls into downtown La Mesa from 5-8 p.m. every Thursday through Aug. 25. Pre-1974 cars, trucks and vans will be parked along La Mesa Boulevard between Fourth Street and Spring Street. The free event features live bands each week playing on the La Mesa Lumber & Hardware truck “stage” at Third Street and La Mesa Boulevard. The lineup: Thursday, Whiskey Ridge; July 14, Ron’s Garage Band; July 21, Santana Soul; July 28, Stand Up Guys; Aug. 4, Detroit Underground; Aug. 11, Love Is A Rose; Aug. 18, Zeeland; Aug. 25, The Farmers. A DJ will also be playing dance music between live sets. The car show is sponsored by the nonprofit La Mesa Village Association and Johnny B’s Burgers, Brew & Spirits. Visit www.lamesavillageassociation.org, email info@lamesavillageassociation.org, or call (619) 343-2460.

Blood drives

The San Diego Blood Bank hosts these blood donation opportunities:

• 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Tuesday, Smart & Final Extra, 13439 Camino Canada, El Cajon

• 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Friday, Kaiser Permanente - Rancho San Diego Medical Office Building, 3875 Avocado Blvd., La Mesa Those 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 donating. Appointments strongly encouraged. Photo ID required. Call (800) 469-7322 or visit Sandiegobloodbank.org.

Send items to fyi.east@sduniontribune.com at least two weeks before events.