North County Business Briefs, June 25

ENCINITAS

Thrift shop reopens for two days weekly

The Assistance League Rancho San Dieguito Thrift Shop at 1542 Encinitas Blvd. has reopened, following all updated COVID-19 safety and sanitation protocols. The new temporary shop hours will be from 10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Wednesdays and Saturdays. Customers must wear masks and sanitize their hands as they enter and leave the shop. Hand sanitizer will be provided, and social distancing will be required of customers and staff. Visit www.alrsd.org.

ESCONDIDO

Assistance League taking donations

The Thrift Shop operated by the Assistance League Inland North County will be taking donations again in preparation for reopening July 14. Donations will be accepted from 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m. today and Saturday at 2068 E. Valley Parkway. Please don’t leave donations at the back door outside these hours. Upon arrival at the shop, each car will be given a number. Pull up when your number is called. Masks must be worn at all times. Donors will load items into provided carts and bring carts into the shop, where they will be unloaded. Carts will be sanitized before each use. Donations will be held for five days to limit potential exposure. Call (760) 746-7532 or email alinc.publicrelations@gmail.com.

FALLBROOK

Chamber hosts ‘dinner mob’ mixer Friday

The Fallbrook Chamber of Commerce is hosting a “dinner mob” networking event at 5 p.m. Friday at Mariscos El Pacifico Fallbrook, 111 N. Vine St. Seating limited to four per table. No-host dinner; bring a friend and your business cards. Reserve to jackie.toppin@fallbrookchamberofcommerce.org.

NORTH COUNTY

H&R Block offers to pick up tax forms

H&R Block has launched a pick-up tax service in San Diego ahead of the new July 15 deadline to provide clients the same expertise and support they would receive in offices — without having to leave their homes. An H&R Block tax professional will come to a client’s home, safely retrieve all supporting tax documents, and prepare the return so the client can review and approve remotely. As of May 29, the IRS has reported only 133.8 million federal income tax returns received compared with 143.1 million returns filed during the same time last year. Besides offering pick-up services, many H&R Block offices in San Diego remain open for in-person tax preparation. The company is taking several precautions to keep clients and employees safe, including frequent cleanings and other social distancing measures. To schedule a pick-up appointment, call 1-800-HRBLOCK.

Online silent auction wraps up this evening

The North San Diego Business Chamber silent online auction ends at 8 tonight. To bid, just register online and bid by text message. All proceeds will support Operation Connect and San Diego North Educational Foundation. View items and bid at https://bit.ly/2VczeYz. Questions? Email admin@sdbusinesschamber.com or call (858) 487-1767.

Chambers join to help school families

The Oceanside and Vista Chambers of Commerce have partnered with the San Diego North Economic Development Council for the “North County Cares” program, which benefits families in both cities’ school districts, as well as restaurant owners. Genentech donated $50,000 for the initial program, to be split equally between Vista Unified School District and Oceanside Unified School District. The funds are used to buy gift cards from Chamber member restaurants in the two cities to support families in need. The program may expand to help other organizations. If your organization serves North County families and would like to be considered for support, or if your restaurant is a member of either chamber and would like to participate, or if you would like to donate, contact rachel@vistachamber.org.

OCEANSIDE

Freeway signs point to Cultural District

Four freeway signs have been installed by CalTrans at the north and south Mission Avenue exits along I-5 in Oceanside, pointing to the Oceanside CA Cultural District, centered in the downtown. The signs were part of a grant and were installed to bring attention to the state-designated Cultural District, a 3.6-square-mile walkable area whose boundaries include The Star Theatre to the north, Oceanside Museum of Art to the east, Hill Street Country Club Gallery at LinkSoul to the south, and Oceanside Pier to the west.

Three new street banners, chosen from an Oceanside High School photography contest, are also highlighting the district. Oceanside is one of only 14 districts in the state to be designated an inaugural “California Cultural District” by the California Arts Council. These districts aim to grow and sustain arts and culture, promote local artists, and reflect ethnic diversity through cultural programming.

Visit www.oceansideculturaldistrict.org, email cdimento@oceansideca.us or call (760) 435-5614.

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