EAST COUNTY HAPPENINGS

Chamber mixer at BJ’S Brewhouse

The La Mesa Chamber of Commerce invites all to an evening mixer hosted by Grossmont Center and BJ’S Brewhouse from 5:30-7 p.m. April 6 at BJ’S Brewhouse, 5500 Grossmont Center Drive, La Mesa. Heavy hors d’oeuvres will be served and a “no host” bar will be offered. Bring your business cards and enjoy food, beer, raffles and more. Open to all, but reservations are a must at https://bit.ly/3wqtgbx or by emailing rsvp@lamesachamber.com. Free for chamber members, $10 for guests and nonmembers.

First Friday breakfast at Black Bear Diner

The San Diego East County Chamber of Commerce holds a First Friday breakfast at 7:15 a.m. Friday at Black Bear Diner, 1025 Fletcher Pkwy., El Cajon. Space limited. Cost is $30 for members and $35 for non-members before April 1, or $35 at the door. Register at https:// bit.ly/3l6spih. Call (619) 440-6161.

Helix Water District offers photo contest

Helix Water District announces its 11th annual Lake Jennings Spring Photo Contest with the theme “Life at the Lake.” The contest is open to photos taken at Lake Jennings between March 1 and May 31. Contest participants can get a free day pass to access, explore and photograph the scenic reservoir at 9535 Harritt Road in Lakeside. Photos can capture any aspect of the lake — recreation, fishing, lake vistas, wildlife and wildflowers. The district will award prizes in adult and youth divisions. First place winners will receive $150, second place winners will receive $100 and third place winners will receive $50. Entries must be submitted digitally by 11:59 p.m. May 31 to photocontest@helixwater.org. Three submissions allowed per photographer, and photos may not contain watermarks. Find complete rules and entry and model release forms at http:// www.lakejennings.org/ photo-contest. Check lake hours and access at lakejennings.org.

Thursday deadline for Vets Coalition

Thursday is the deadline to apply for El Cajon’s Veterans Coalition. Coalition members advise the city on issues facing active-duty or retired military families. The city is seeking those who are active duty in the United States armed forces, reservists, or honorably discharged. Applicants must live in El Cajon or be active members of a nonprofit veterans organization based within the city limits. Appointed members will serve one-year terms and attend quarterly coalition meetings. Find applications at www.elcajon.gov/veteranscoalition, contact Recreation Services Manager Adam Tronerud at atronerud@elcajon.gov, or call (619) 441-1750.

Blood drives

The Blood Bank hosts donation opportunities: • Noon-5 p.m. Tuesday, Barons Market, 1347 Tavern Road, Alpine

• 1-7 p.m. Tuesday, Grossmont Center, 5500 Grossmont Center Drive, La Mesa, near movie theater

• 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Thursday, El Cajon Valley High School, 1035 E. Madison Ave., El Cajon Appointments strongly encouraged. Photo ID required. Call (800) 4697322 or visit Sandiegobloodbank.org.