“This is so critical to La Mesa and to our businesses.” - Councilmember Laura Lothian

By Armando Rasing II

Photo by Miriam Raftery: Outdoor dining at Hacienda Cazadores

February 1, 2026 (La Mesa) -- The La Mesa City Council voted unanimously last Tuesday to adopt a new sidewalk dining policy in commercial zones, also reporting progress in meeting climate action goals.

The city temporarily allowed increased flexibility for outdoor dining areas in 2020 to help support businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic. The new sidewalk dining policies will take into effect on March 12, allowing businesses to maintain that flexibility with updated guidelines.  

East County News Service

January 26, 2026 (La Mesa) - San Pasqual Winery in La Mesa invites you to enjoy an evening of wines paired with artisan gourmet chocolates by Swete Petite Confections on February 12 and 14 from 5 to 6:30 p.m. 

The winemaker and chocolatier will be on hand to guide you through the five pairings sure to satisfy your sweet tooth as well as cravings for award-winning locally crafted wines. 

For more information and tickets ($60), or to RSVP, visit https://www.sanpasqualwinery.com/.

East County News Service

January 23, 2026 (La Mesa) – Four suspects are in custody following a robbery in which a marijuana delivery driver was shot, suffering a neck wound. La Mesa Police responded to a 9-1-1 call reporting the shooting, which occurred on January 5 around 4 p.m. at 4700 Williamsburg Lane in La Mesa.

“The victim was transported to the hospital for treatment and is expected to survive,” says Lieutenant Travis Higgins with LMPD.  According to Lt. Higgins, two of the suspects approached the victim, demanding property. “One suspect then shot the victim without warning. The suspects fled southbound through the apartment complex and were not initially located.”

Photo of some of the 40 dogs rescued from La Mesa courtesy San Diego Humane Society

East County News Service

Dec. 31, 2025 (La Mesa) -- San Diego Humane Society’s Humane Law Enforcement rescued 40 dogs and puppies from an apartment in La Mesa on Tuesday, Dec. 30, following a welfare check by community police officers.

The rescue comes at a critical time, SDHS officials say, as local shelters are already operating significantly over capacity.

San Diego Humane Officers were notified on the evening of Dec. 29, by the La Mesa Police Department, which was conducting a welfare check on a tenant facing eviction. Those close to the situation said that the tenant had not been seen since Dec. 23. Upon arrival, Humane Officers discovered 40 dogs and puppies living in feces and unsanitary conditions.

By Heidi Hope

December 21, 2025 (La Mesa) - JJang BBQ, a new all-you-can-eat Korean barbecue restaurant in La Mesa, delivers a traditional Korean eatery ambience from sizzling hot meats that you cook at the table to tangy sides and a colorful painting on the wall. I cooked and tasted three different meats, including pork belly (samgupsal), Bulgogi beef and boneless beef rib. Each has a mouthwatering Teriyaki flavor. I was overjoyed at the distinctively savory tastes and textures; some layers were soft, some were chewy. 

East County News Service

Dec. 15, 2025 (La Mesa) – La Mesa residents and those who just like La Mesa will put on their walking shoes while soaking in some festive cheer this week as La Mesa Walks! hosts a special evening edition of the "Holiday Light Stroll" this Wednesday, Dec. 17.

By Heidi Hope 

December 2, 2025 (La Mesa) - Gino & Gianni’s Pizzeria by Mamma Mia, a new pizza restaurant in La Mesa, evokes Italian ambience from delicious food to images of Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel paintings on the ceiling.  

By Heidi Hope 

November 20, 2025 (La Mesa) -- The front window at Sara’s Selections in La Mesa proclaims ,”There are always flowers for those who want to see them.” The clothing boutique is filled with floral motifs, feminine touches and empowering quotes for women. The store sells chic Bohemian- styled fashions with a modern touch on classic pieces. The family business is run by Sara Marzec and her daughter,  Kasandra Marzec. 

East County News Service

November 17, 2025 (La Mesa) -- "'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse." But wait. A mouse is stirring - because Santa missed his house last year. Lamplighter’s Theatre in La Mesa will present “’Twas the Night Before Christmas” featuring the wild adventures of a mouse, an elf, and a spunky little girl who visit the North Pole and just won't take no for an answer.

Performances run Nov. 29 through Dec. 14.

By Heidi Hope 

November 12, 2025 (La Mesa) - Elisha Cecil is a filmmaker, screenwriter and director from La Mesa. His films have been featured in many major film festivals, including Eyes of Shadow and Amber, a short horror film showing at the San Diego Film Week  on November 14. 

East County Magazine interviewed Cecil for our radio show, which aired on KNSJ 89.1 FM.  You can listen to the full audio here, or scroll down for highlights.

“I’ve always been into movies ever since I was a kid," Cecil said. "I also got really into writing because of my dad’s background in English Literature. From writing, the deeper you get into films, you start to realize you don’t have a lot of control over what you put on paper as a writer, so I had to learn to direct to see what I put on paper comes to the screen."