The Coast News INLAND EDITION
.com ESCONDIDO, SAN MARCOS, VISTA
VOL. 5, N0. 7
APRIL 3, 2020
San Marcos OKs $3M small business boost By Steve Puterski
HLLNDR is hosting online concerts during the stay-at-home order prompted by the COVID-19 crisis. The Vista singer-songwriter is among area musicians hoping fan donations can help compensate for lost shows. Photo via Facebook
Local musicians move concerts online By Hoa Quach
REGION — As elected officials order the public to stay-at-home in an effort to slow the spread of the deadly COVID-19 disease, workers are utilizing the power of social media to earn an income, including musicians in North County. At least two busy mu-
sicians in the region, HLLNDR of Vista and Kimmi Bitter of Oceanside, have hosted online concerts, encouraging their fans to donate tips via Venmo or PayPal in order to help maintain their income. “Thankfully, my live shows aren’t the only way my spouse and I generate
funds,” said HLLNDR, who released a new album just weeks before the shutdown that affected people around the world. “I’ve lost 10 shows, and counting since the shutdown, and I respect the responsibility we are taking to keep people healthy and to prevent the rise of this
disease in our country, but the people in this industry are feeling the weight of what this shutdown has done.” Bitter echoed HLLNDR’s comments, stating prior to the shutdown, she performed at least three shows TURN TO CONCERTS ON 7
SAN MARCOS — Famous for “Restaurant Row,” a number of breweries and a business-friendly atmosphere, the city is taking a proactive stance in helping small businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The San Marcos City Council approved a $3 million economic stimulus package, the COVID-19 Business Sustainability Program, during its March 24 meeting. Mayor Rebecca Jones said the program came to light after discussions between City Manager Jack Griffin and Economic Development Director Tess Sangster. The city is in position to use $3 million for the loan program from its General Fund Reserves, which was projected to be more than $30 million, according to the Fiscal Year 2019-20 budget. So far, more than 50 businesses have applied for $1.7 million in loans, Jones said. However, not all of the $1.7 million has been approved, she added. “It’s a short-term loan program,” Jones said. “We are in a place where we have some reserves. Investing in our community is very important.” For San Marcos, there are three loan options for small businesses. The first loan is up to $10,000 with 0% interest if repaid in 180 days. The second is $10,001 to $25,000 with 1.5% interest to be repaid in 180 or a 2.5% interest rate for one year.
Inland takeout North County inland cities have generated comrehensive lists of restaurants offering takeout, delivery or drive-thru services. (More info on Pg. 10) Finally, loans from $25,001 to $50,000 has 2.5% interest for 180 days, 3% for one year and 3.25% for two years. For qualifying businesses, the city will send a wire transfer within two business days, according to the city’s website. Additionally, priority will be given to businesses with 10 or more employees, according to Jones, as the city is attempting to help residents and workers with receiving paychecks. “We really want to keep people working,” Jones explained. “I think that’s one of the big parts of this actual programs. Many people don’t think about this, many of our small businesses and workforce live in San Marcos, about 30%.” Stipulations of the loans, meanwhile, call for a promissory note for loans up to $25,000, while those between $25,001 TURN TO SAN MARCOS ON 3
Vista’s medicinal marijuana shops remain steady during crisis By Steve Puterski
VISTA — While many industries are struggling to stay afloat, medicinal marijuana shops in the city have yet to be too hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. Justin Christman, owner of FloraVerde, Jon Jesse, who owns Dr. GreenRX, and Mike Mellano, owner of Coastal Wellness, all said business has been stable four weeks into the unprecedented ep-
idemic. Christman, who opened in October 2019, and Jesse, who opened in December 2019, said they saw a surge the first week or two when San Diego County and other entities began issuing orders for social distancing, closing businesses and more. Mellano, though, opened five weeks ago and saw a 30% increase in traffic each of the first
two weeks. Since then, though, his customer base has grown by about 10% each of the last two weeks. Medicinal marijuana dispensaries were classified as essential services by the state. There are six operational medicinal dispensaries in Vista. “People are going to continue to buy cannabis,” Mellano said. “We’ve seen people come in with
elevated levels of anxiety and getting some CBD and indica stuff to calm them down.” And while all three shops are steady, each owner said the demand for online ordering, deliveries and curbside pickup has increased. Jesse and Mellano already offer curbside and online orders through Weedmaps, while Christman will be offering curbside and
online orders late this week or early next week. As for in-store purchases, all said they have limited the number of patients into their dispensaries, sanitize every 30 minutes to an hour, employees wear gloves and their waiting rooms are spaced in accordance with county guidelines. As for deliveries, though, TURN TO MARIJUANA ON 5