Funds Available For La Mesa Businesses Damaged In Riots

LA MESA, CA — Owners of La Mesa businesses that were damaged or destroyed during the riots at the end of May can now register for recovery funds.

Businesses can apply for funds through an online form on the East County Economic Development Council website.

"We had one single objective at this stage of this process: making registration and documentation as easy and quick as possible," said Jo-Marie Diamond, president and CEO of the East County Economic Development Council, which is supporting the effort initiated through the San Diego East County Chamber of Commerce and La Mesa Chamber of Commerce.

The San Diego East County Chamber of Commerce Foundation launched the La Mesa Disaster Recovery Fund on GoFundMe to help businesses damaged or destroyed amid arson, looting and vandalism that followed the May 30 demonstrations against police brutality and racial injustice in La Mesa.

The fund reached $50,000 in a single day, and $100,000 by the second day. The fund currently totals more than $200,000.

GoFundMe will transfer the funds to the foundation on June 25, according to the East County Economic Development Council. Applicants able to complete their registration by June 26 and have it verified will be part of the Phase I distribution.

The distribution of a flat stipend —to be determined — to each verified business will begin the week of June 29. Three-quarters of the total amount raised will be distributed in Phase 1, with the remaining funds reserved for later relief applications, expenses and unanticipated needs.

The remaining funds, including additional donations received after June 26, will be distributed in Phase 2, with the intention of closing the fund by the end of July.

Businesses will be asked to upload photos of the damage, plus verification of their address and ownership via the online form. Qualified recipients will receive the same amount of money from the fund, depending on the total amount raised, according to the East County Economic Development Council.

The La Mesa Disaster Recovery Fund is still accepting donations.

Also see:

• Thousands Raised For La Mesa Businesses After Devastating Riots
• $10K Reward Offered For Info On La Mesa Gun Shop Burglary
• Police Seek Tips On Looters Who Damaged Buildings In La Mesa
• Man Arrested On Suspicion Of Looting La Mesa Store
• La Mesa Woman Shot In Police Protest Released From Hospital
• Family Of Woman Shot By Police Projectile Calls For Justice
• La Mesa Police Department Ceases Chokeholds
• La Mesa Cleans Up After Night Of Protests, Arson And Looting